Ruthenium Catalyst for Low-Temperature CO Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for carbon monoxide purification, such as the partial oxidation process and methanation, are inefficient and costly due to the need for high operating temperatures and expensive oxygen removal processes, limiting the application of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst comprising a metal oxide carrier with transition metal oxides like Ti, Ce, and Rh, and ruthenium, supported on the carrier, which allows for efficient carbon monoxide purification at low temperatures (80-180°C) by decomposing CO into long-chain hydrocarbons and methanating it at higher temperatures, reducing the need for high-purity hydrogen production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the partial oxidation process (PROX) is used for carbon monoxide purification, then carbon monoxide can be purified, but high operating costs are incurred due to the need for an O2 blower and additional oxygen removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the O2 blower and additional oxygen removal processes from the purification system by using a catalyst that selectively oxidizes CO with limited oxygen available in the reformed gas itself, eliminating the need for external oxygen supply equipment and subsequent oxygen removal steps
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst performs multiple functions simultaneously: it selectively oxidizes carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide while tolerating the presence of hydrogen and water vapor, effectively replacing both the O2 blower and the oxygen removal process with a single catalytic component
2Reliability
If the methanation process is used for carbon monoxide purification, then carbon monoxide can be purified, but high operating temperature (around 200°C) is required, which limits application in PEMFC vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating temperature parameter from high temperature (around 200°C for methanation) to low temperature (below 100°C) by developing a catalyst with specific metal oxide components that enable selective CO oxidation at lower temperatures, making the process suitable for PEMFC vehicle applications
3Reliability
If conventional catalysts are used for carbon monoxide purification, then carbon monoxide can be purified, but high energy consumption is required due to high operating temperatures and additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the high energy consumption associated with O2 blowers and additional oxygen removal processes by using a catalyst that achieves selective CO purification using only the limited oxygen already present in the reformed gas, dramatically reducing overall energy requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high to low operating conditions, and changes the oxygen supply parameter from external forced oxidation to internal selective oxidation, thereby reducing energy consumption across multiple process parameters
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 high energy conversion efficiency and purifies carbon monoxide at low temperatures, suitable for PEMFCs, while reducing production costs and operational inefficiencies associated with existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
decomposing CO into long-chain hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 2
methanating it at higher temperatures
Implementation Method 3
A catalyst comprising a metal oxide carrier with transition metal oxides like Ti, Ce, and Rh, and ruthenium, supported on the carrier, which allows for efficient carbon monoxide purification at low temperatures (80-180°C)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a catalyst for low-temperature carbon monoxide purification, a method for manufacturing the same, and a method for purifying carbon monoxide using the same. The catalyst comprises a metal oxide carrier; a transition metal oxide primarily supported on the carrier, and ruthenium secondarily supported on a carrier carrying the transition metal oxide. The catalyst provides an effect capable of purifying carbon monoxide contained in a hydrogen gas at a low temperature.