US 10,814,270 B2 · Self-forming membrane for high flux and selective electrochemistry-based CO2 capture

Abstract

A low-cost and easy-to-fabricate mixed e− and CO32− conducting membrane for advanced high-flux and selective electrochemical CO2 separation from flue gas is provided. The membrane includes a CO32−-conducting molten carbonate phase and an e−-conducting lithiated Ni-oxide interphase that can be formed in situ during operation. The membrane exhibits a CO2 flux density greater than 0.8 mL/(minute·cm2) at 850° C. with a selectivity ranging from about 100 to about 500 and excellent stability for up to about 450 hours. Further, the self-formed interphase Li0.4Ni1.6O2 is highly electron conducting and can provide electrons to the co-reduction of CO2 and O2 into CO32−. Such a membrane is an alternative to the conventional “size-sieving” inorganic and “dissolution-diffusion” organic counterparts for CO2 capture from flue gas.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A membrane for carbon dioxide and oxygen separation comprising:

a solid porous matrix, wherein the solid oxide matrix comprises a metal oxide, wherein the metal oxide comprises nickel oxide, iron oxide, manganese oxide, cobalt oxide, or copper oxide;
a molten carbonate phase, wherein the molten carbonate phases comprises a lithium carbonate;
and an interphase disposed between the solid porous matrix and the molten carbonate phase, wherein the interphase is formed at a temperature ranging from about 650° C. to about 850° C. and has a thickness ranging from about 50 nanometers to about 150 nanometers, wherein the membrane is a mixed electron and carbon-ion conductor membrane, and wherein the membrane exhibits a selectivity for carbon dioxide and oxygen over nitrogen ranging from about 100 to about 500 at a temperature of about 850° C.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self-forming membrane for high flux and selective electrochemistry-based CO2 capture

Life of this patent

Self-forming membrane for high flux and selective electrochemistry-based CO2 capture

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16