Methods and systems for fuel production
AssigneePrometheus Fuels, Inc
InventorRobert McGinnis
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Abstract
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for producing carbon products via electrochemical reduction from fluid streams containing a carbon-containing material, such as, for example, carbon dioxide. Electrochemical reduction systems and methods of the present disclosure may comprise micro- or nanostructured membranes for separation and catalytic processes. The electrochemical reduction systems and methods may utilize renewable energy sources to generate a carbon product comprising one or more carbon atoms (C1+ product), such as, for example, fuel. This may be performed at substantially low (or nearly zero) net or negative carbon emissions.
Claims29
A method for using a carbon-containing material to generate a carbon product comprising one or more carbon atoms (C1+ product), comprising:
- (a) providing an electrochemical system comprising a first compartment, a second compartment, and a separation unit comprising (i) an anode, (ii) a cathode, and (iii) a micro- or nanostructured membrane comprising pores, wherein said cathode comprises a catalyst(s), wherein said separation unit separates said first compartment and said second compartment, and wherein said first compartment is in fluid communication with said second compartment through said pores;
- (b) directing an electrolyte solution comprising said carbon-containing material into said first compartment, to bring said electrolyte solution in contact with said cathode, wherein said anode and said cathode are in electrical communication with one another through said electrolyte solution, and wherein a voltage is applied between said cathode and said anode;
- (c) using said catalyst(s) to reduce said carbon-containing material in said electrolyte solution while said voltage is applied between said cathode and said anode, to generate said C1+ product which C1+ product is directed through said pores to said second compartment;
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- (d) recovering said C1+ product from said second compartment of said electrochemical system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.