Solid Ion-Conductive Material in Electrochemical Cell for Low-Electrolyte Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical processes for producing hydrogen peroxide and other compounds often result in solutions containing high concentrations of electrolytes, which can be undesirable for applications requiring low electrolyte concentrations and specific pH levels, and suffer from inefficiencies in energy consumption and stability of production.
Innovation Solution
The use of a solid ion-conductive material within an electrochemical cell compartment, in conjunction with ion selective membranes, allows for the production of compounds like hydrogen peroxide and peroxy acids without dissolved electrolytes or with low electrolyte concentrations, enabling efficient energy use and stable continuous production by facilitating ion transport and reactions within the compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If dissolved salts are used as electrolyte in the catholyte to ensure conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but hydrogen peroxide solution contains high electrolyte concentration which is undesirable for many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electrolyte function into two separate compartments: the catholyte compartment contains dissolved salts for conductivity, while the concentrate compartment contains only water. Ion-selective membranes separate these compartments, allowing ions to be transported selectively so that conductivity is maintained where needed while the final product remains free of electrolytes.
Solution Approach 2:
Ion-selective membranes act as intermediaries that enable ion transport from the catholyte compartment to the concentrate compartment without requiring the presence of dissolved salts in the final product. The membranes selectively transport H+ and OH- ions, maintaining conductivity in the source compartment while delivering pure water-based product.
2Quantity of substance
If dissolved salts are omitted from the catholyte to reduce electrolyte concentration in product, then electrolyte content is improved, but electrical resistance increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electrolyte function from the product stream by using separate compartments. The catholyte compartment maintains high electrolyte concentration for low resistance, while the concentrate compartment receives only water and ions transported through membranes, ensuring the final product has minimal electrolyte content.
Solution Approach 2:
Ion-selective membranes serve as intermediaries that enable efficient ion transport between compartments. These membranes allow H+ and OH- ions to pass through selectively, maintaining electrical conductivity in the system without requiring dissolved salts in the final product, thus reducing power consumption while avoiding electrolyte contamination.
3Productivity
If conventional electrochemical processes are used, then hydrogen peroxide can be produced, but the produced solution contains electrolytes and requires additional purification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a three-compartment configuration (anolyte, catholyte, and concentrate compartments) separated by ion-selective membranes. This segmentation allows hydrogen peroxide to be produced in the catholyte compartment while ions are selectively transported to the concentrate compartment, resulting in a product stream that is inherently free of electrolytes and ready for direct use.
Solution Approach 2:
Ion-selective membranes act as intermediaries that separate the product formation zone from the ion transport zone. This enables hydrogen peroxide production while preventing electrolyte contamination of the final product, eliminating the need for additional purification steps.
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
This approach enables the production of hydrogen peroxide solutions with high concentrations and other compounds in a form that is largely free of electrolytes, reducing energy consumption and improving the stability and flexibility of the production process, while allowing for the achievement of desired pH levels and conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
transporting produced protons through a cation exchange membrane (CEM) into catholyte
Implementation Method 2
producing HO2− anions in a cathode membrane assembly comprising a gas diffusion electrode and an anion exchange membrane (AEM) adjoined to said gas diffusion electrode and in contact with said catholyte. The produced HO2− anions migrate at least in part into said catholyte
Implementation Method 3
Electrochemistry allows for facilitating chemical reactions for producing compounds with electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
water molecules migrate with said ions through anion exchange membrane or cation exchange membrane due to electro osmosis drag
Data Source
AI summary
A solid ion-conductive material can be used in a compartment of an electrochemical cell, such as between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, for improving energy efficiency and at least partially replacing electrolyte solution. The formed product can be obtained for instance in demi water.