Switchable Dual-Function Material for Single-Reactor CO2 Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon capture and utilization technologies face high energy demands and costs due to the need for separate reactors for CO2 capture and conversion, and existing catalysts like noble metals are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A switchable dual function material (DFM) that integrates an adsorbent and catalyst on the same support, allowing for simultaneous CO2 capture and conversion into valuable chemicals, using cheaper metals like nickel and varying co-reactants or temperatures to switch reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate reactors are used for CO2 capture and conversion, then each function can be optimized independently, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 capture and conversion functions into a single integrated reactor system. The dual-function catalyst simultaneously performs CO2 adsorption/capture and catalytic conversion to chemicals, eliminating the need for separate reactors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional optimization through carefully designed catalyst properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst is designed with multi-functional capabilities, incorporating both CO2 capture (adsorption) and conversion (catalysis) functions in a single material system. This universal catalyst can handle multiple operations within one reactor, reducing device complexity while preserving the ability to optimize each function through controlled catalyst composition and structure.
2Productivity
If noble metal catalysts are used, then catalytic activity is high, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive noble metal catalysts with cheaper alternative metals such as nickel, cobalt, or iron-based catalysts. These non-noble metals provide sufficient catalytic activity for CO2 conversion while dramatically reducing material costs. The catalyst is designed to be effective and can be regenerated, eliminating the need for expensive noble metals while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies catalyst parameters by changing metal composition, particle size, support material, and operational conditions to achieve high catalytic activity without using noble metals. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves comparable or superior performance to noble metal catalysts at significantly lower cost.
3Productivity
If high temperature is used for CO2 conversion, then reaction rate increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the temperature parameter to achieve the best balance between reaction rate and energy consumption. By carefully controlling temperature within an optimized range and using efficient catalysts, the system achieves high productivity while minimizing thermal energy input. The catalyst lowers the activation energy barrier, allowing reactions to proceed at moderate temperatures with high rates.
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 DFM achieves efficient, cost-effective carbon capture and conversion with 100% selectivity, reducing energy consumption and operational costs, and can operate across a wide temperature range, making it future-proof for varying product demands.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorbent, configured to adsorb carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
a switchable catalyst configured to catalyse the conversion of carbon dioxide into a reaction product
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method of converting carbon dioxide into a reaction product. The method comprises providing a switchable dual function material (DFM) loaded with carbon dioxide; and contacting the switchable DFM loaded with carbon dioxide and a co-reactant, thereby causing the carbon dioxide to react with the co-reactant to produce the reaction product. The switchable DFM comprises an adsorbent, configured to adsorb carbon dioxide; and a switchable catalyst configured to catalyse the conversion of carbon dioxide into a reaction product. The disclosure extends to the switchable DFM per se.