Stacked Anode Electrode for Self-Powered CO2 Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing carbon dioxide do not efficiently utilize light energy to generate electric power for carbon dioxide reduction on a cathode electrode without an external power supply, limiting the effectiveness of carbon dioxide conversion.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide reduction device with a stacked structure anode electrode comprising a photoelectric conversion layer, a metal layer, and an InxGa1-xN layer, where the InxGa1-xN layer is irradiated with light to generate electric power, and the photoelectric conversion layer absorbs a second light part with a longer wavelength, enabling carbon dioxide reduction on the cathode electrode without an external power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple nitride semiconductor anode is used without external power supply, then the device structure is simplified, but the light energy utilization efficiency is insufficient for effective carbon dioxide reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The anode electrode is segmented into multiple functional layers: a nitride semiconductor layer for light absorption and charge generation, a metal layer for electron collection and transport, and a photoelectric conversion layer for generating electric power. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The anode electrode uses a composite structure combining nitride semiconductor material (for optical properties), metal material (for electrical conductivity), and photoelectric conversion material (for power generation). This composite approach enables simultaneous light absorption, electron collection, and electric power generation without requiring complex external power supply systems.
2Productivity
If light is irradiated to generate electric power for carbon dioxide reduction, then carbon dioxide conversion efficiency is improved, but the device requires precise control of light wavelength and intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to respond to specific light parameters (wavelength and intensity) through the photoelectric conversion layer, which converts light into electric power. By optimizing the material properties and layer thicknesses, the system achieves high carbon dioxide conversion efficiency while maintaining relatively simple operational control, as the material itself determines its response to light parameters.
3Productivity
If an external power supply is used for carbon dioxide reduction, then the reduction reaction can be driven, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anode electrode is designed to generate its own electric power through the photoelectric conversion layer when exposed to light. This self-powered capability eliminates the need for external power supplies, allowing the device to drive carbon dioxide reduction reactions autonomously. The nitride semiconductor layer absorbs light, generates charges, and the photoelectric conversion layer converts this into useful electric power for the reduction reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical power supply system with an optical system. Instead of using external electric power from batteries or grids, the device uses light (photons) to generate electric power through the photoelectric conversion layer, substituting a mechanical power delivery system with an optical one that is inherently cleaner and more flexible.
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 device effectively reduces carbon dioxide on the cathode electrode, producing hydrocarbons, alcohols, or aldehydes, with improved reaction current and electric potential, enhancing the efficiency of carbon dioxide conversion compared to previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
the anode electrode comprises a stacked structure of a photoelectric conversion layer, a metal layer, and an InxGa1-xN layer... a first light part included in the light is absorbed by the InxGa1-xN layer; a second light part included in the light travels through the InxGa1-xN layer; the second light part is absorbed by the photoelectric conversion layer to generate electric power in the photoelectric conversion layer
Implementation Method 2
the carbon dioxide contained in the first electrolyte solution is reduced on the cathode electrode... producing hydrocarbons, alcohols, or aldehydes
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing carbon dioxide is provided. In the present method, used is an anode electrode comprises a stacked structure of a photoelectric conversion layer, a metal layer, and an InxGa1-xN layer (where 0<x≤1). The InxGa1-xN layer is of i-type or n-type. The metal layer is interposed between the photoelectric conversion layer and the InxGa1-xN layer. When irradiating the anode electrode with light, a first light part included in the light is absorbed by the InxGa1-xN layer and a second light part included in the light travels through the InxGa1-xN layer. The second light part is absorbed by the photoelectric conversion layer to generate electric power in the photoelectric conversion layer. The second light part has a longer wavelength than the first light part. The carbon dioxide contained in the first electrolyte solution is reduced on the cathode electrode.