Two-Stage CO2 Electrochemical Reactor for High-Purity Carbon Compounds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction technologies suffer from unreacted carbon dioxide gas mixing with generated carbon compounds, necessitating costly separation and reducing energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical reaction device with dual reaction units and controlled flow paths for carbon dioxide reduction, where unreacted gas dissolves in electrolyte in the first unit and is further reduced in the second unit, using different voltage levels to enhance purity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the cathode in the related art, then carbon dioxide reduction reaction can proceed, but unreacted carbon dioxide gas mixes with generated carbon compounds requiring separation
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply path is divided into multiple independent channels (first gas supply path and second gas supply path) that supply carbon dioxide to different regions of the cathode. This segmentation allows unreacted carbon dioxide to be directed to a specific region while carbon compounds are collected from another region, preventing mixing and eliminating the need for separation processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If separation process is implemented to remove unreacted carbon dioxide, then purity of carbon compounds is improved, but cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful component (unreacted carbon dioxide gas) is extracted from the reaction zone by providing a dedicated gas supply path that directs it to a separate region. This extraction prevents mixing with the desired product (carbon compounds) at the source, eliminating the need for subsequent separation processes and associated energy consumption.
3Productivity
If uniform carbon dioxide supply is provided to the cathode, then reaction efficiency is maintained, but unreacted gas mixes with product requiring separation
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply system is segmented into multiple independent paths (first and second gas supply paths) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation enables differentiated gas distribution strategies in different regions, maintaining reaction efficiency in the reaction zone while directing unreacted gas to a separate collection zone, without requiring complex external separation equipment.
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 separates unreacted carbon dioxide from generated carbon compounds, improving purity and reducing energy consumption, enabling cost-effective production of carbon compounds.
Implementation Method 1
unreacted gas dissolves in electrolyte in the first unit
Implementation Method 2
electrochemically reducing dissolved carbon dioxide in a second reaction unit
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide an electrochemical reaction device in which unreacted carbon dioxide gas is less likely to be mixed in and the purity of carbon compounds generated by reduction can be improved, a method of reducing carbon dioxide using the same, and a method of producing carbon compounds. In an electrochemical reaction device 100 that electrochemically reduces carbon dioxide, a first reaction unit 110, and a second reaction unit 120 provided on a downstream side of the first reaction unit are provided, the first reaction unit 110 includes a first liquid flow path 113 in which an inlet and an outlet between the first cathode 111 and the first anode 112 are closed in an openable and closable manner, and a first gas flow path 114 in which an inlet and an outlet on a side of the first cathode 111 opposite to the first anode 112 are closed in an openable and closable manner, and the second liquid flow path 123 for supplying an electrolyte from the first liquid flow path 113, in which an inlet and an outlet are closed in an openable and closable manner, is provided between a second cathode 121 and a second anode 122 of the second reaction unit 120.