Peroxide Ionic Liquid Oxygen Generation at Subfreezing Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen generation methods, 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 oxygen supply in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a composition comprising a peroxide compound, an ionic liquid, and a metal oxide compound, where the ionic liquid remains in a liquid state from -10°C to 50°C, facilitating oxygen generation at low temperatures without toxic byproducts, and allowing for extended oxygen production with a significant flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen can be produced, but high temperatures (450-700°C) are required resulting in weight and size penalties due to heat insulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high (450-700°C in chlorate candles) to low (below 150°C, preferably below 100°C) by using peroxide compounds as oxygen sources. This temperature reduction eliminates the need for heavy heat insulation, thereby reducing the overall weight of the oxygen generation system while maintaining effective oxygen production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable peroxide-based oxygen generating compositions that can be easily replaced. These compositions contain peroxide compounds, catalysts, and binders in a compact form that provides sufficient oxygen for emergency situations without requiring complex reusable thermal management systems, thus reducing weight
2Productivity
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen can be produced, but toxic side products (chlorine) are generated requiring additional removal equipment adding size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the harmful chlorate decomposition reaction with a peroxide decomposition reaction that produces only oxygen and water as byproducts. This chemical substitution eliminates the generation of toxic chlorine gas entirely, converting a harmful process into a benign one without requiring additional air treatment equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful chlorine-containing components from the oxygen generation chemistry. By using peroxide compounds instead of chlorates, the toxic chlorine byproduct pathway is completely removed from the reaction system, leaving only safe oxygen and water vapor
3Productivity
If peroxide-based oxygen generators use water for providing contact between peroxides and catalysts, then oxygen can be produced, but water freezes at 0°C preventing operation below freezing temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the contact medium from liquid water (which freezes at 0°C) to a gel matrix that remains stable and functional at subfreezing temperatures. This allows the peroxide-catalyst contact and oxygen generation to proceed reliably below 0°C, expanding the operational temperature range to include subfreezing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials comprising peroxide compounds, catalysts, and gel-forming substances (such as carboxymethyl cellulose or starch) that create a gel matrix. This composite structure provides the necessary contact between peroxide and catalyst while remaining stable and flexible at low temperatures, unlike liquid water which would freeze
4Productivity
If peroxide-based oxygen generators use water for providing contact between peroxides and catalysts, then oxygen can be produced, but vehement effervescing occurs requiring complicated device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical form of the reaction medium from liquid water to a gel matrix, which fundamentally alters the reaction dynamics. The gel structure provides a viscous, semi-solid environment that allows peroxide-catalyst contact while dampening the violent effervescing reaction, enabling simple device design without complex containment or pressure management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the gel matrix as a pseudo-fluid medium that controls gas evolution. The gel's viscoelastic properties allow it to accommodate oxygen bubble formation and release in a controlled manner, replacing the need for complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems that would be required to manage vehement effervescing in liquid water systems
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 reliable and continuous oxygen production over a wide temperature range, including subfreezing temperatures, without toxic components, and provides a stable and efficient oxygen supply in emergency situations.
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
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method for generating oxygen comprising providing at least one oxygen source, providing at least one ionic liquid, providing at least one metal oxide compound, wherein the oxygen source is a peroxide compound, the ionic liquid is in the liquid state at least in the temperature range from −10° C. to +50° C., and the metal oxide compound is an oxide of one 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 contacting the oxygen source, the ionic liquid, and the metal oxide compound.