Non-Metallic Viologen Catalyst Fuel Cell

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for harnessing the electro-potential energy of carbohydrates in fuel cells and batteries are limited by the need for biological mechanisms and organisms, which restrict operation to specific conditions, necessitating a non-microbial system to utilize renewable energy sources effectively.

Innovation Solution

A fuel cell system utilizing an organic fuel with a hydroxyl group, such as carbohydrates or alcohols, and a non-metallic catalyst like viologen compounds, which facilitates the oxidation of these fuels to generate electrical current without biological organisms, using a polymer to attach the catalyst to electrodes and an electrolyte with a controlled pH.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If biological mechanisms and organisms are used to harness electro-potential energy of carbohydrates, then the system can effectively utilize renewable energy sources, but the operation is restricted to specific conditions such as appropriate temperature, pH, and salinity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of energy utilizationVSAvoidoperational condition range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces biological mechanisms (enzymatic oxidases, ATP cycle) with a non-biological electrochemical system using a fuel cell that directly oxidizes carbohydrates at the electrode. This substitution eliminates the need for living organisms while maintaining the ability to harness electro-potential energy, thereby expanding operational versatility beyond biological constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters by using a fuel cell system that can operate across a broader range of temperatures, pH levels, and salinities compared to biological systems. The electrochemical oxidation process does not require the narrow physiological conditions that enzymes and microorganisms need, allowing the system to function in more diverse environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-metallic catalysts are used in the fuel cell, then the system can operate without biological organisms, but the catalyst attachment to electrodes requires polymer materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational condition rangeVSAvoidcatalyst attachment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces polymer materials as an intermediary between the non-metallic catalyst and the electrode. The polymer serves as a binding matrix that anchors the catalyst particles to the electrode surface, facilitating electron transfer while maintaining catalyst stability. This intermediary approach enables the use of versatile non-biological catalysts without compromising electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If carbohydrates are completely oxidized to release 24 electrons, then maximum energy is released, but the system requires efficient electron transfer mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy release from carbohydrate oxidationVSAvoidelectron transfer mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex biological electron transfer chains with a direct electrochemical oxidation mechanism at the fuel cell electrode. The carbohydrate is oxidized directly at the electrode surface, transferring electrons to the external circuit without requiring the multi-step enzymatic pathways needed in biological systems, thereby simplifying the electron transfer mechanism while maximizing energy release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient generation of electrical current from organic fuels at various pH levels, overcoming the limitations of biological systems and allowing for the use of renewable energy sources in a wider range of conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the negative electrode is adapted for electrochemically oxidizing and decomposing the organic fuel containing a hydroxyl group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a non-metallic catalyst that are violenen compounds, such as pyridinium and conjugated aryl pyridinium compounds including viologen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

an electrolyte intervening between the positive electrode and the negative electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8404396B2Fuel cell and method for generating electric power

Publication Date: 2013.03.26 WATT POWER INC

AI summary

A non-microbial fuel cell utilizing an organic fuel containing a hydroxyl group and a non-metallic catalyst is disclosed. Compositions for use in and methods for generating electric energy from chemical energy using fuel cells are also disclosed. Compositions for use in and methods of storing energy using fuel cells are also disclosed.