Electrochemical cell for production of synthesis gas using atmospheric air and water
AssigneeCeramatec, Inc.
InventorsJoseph J. Hartvigsen, Ashok V. Joshi, S. Elangovan, Shekar Balagopal, John Howard Gordon, Michele Hollist
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Abstract
A method is provided for synthesizing synthesis gas from carbon dioxide obtained from atmospheric air or other available carbon dioxide source and water using a sodium-conducting electrochemical cell. Synthesis gas is also produced by the coelectrolysis of carbon dioxide and steam in a solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolytic cell. The synthesis gas produced may then be further processed and eventually converted into a liquid fuel suitable for transportation or other applications.
Claims13
An electrochemical cell for producing synthesis gas comprising:
- an anode chamber comprising an electrochemically active anode having a source of water in which the water is decomposed according to the following reaction:
- ½H2O→¼O2+H++e−, wherein O2 is collected and removed from the anode chamber;
- an intermediate chamber separated from the anode chamber by a separator which permits transport of H+ ions, wherein the intermediate chamber has a source of Na2CO3 and H+ ions, in which the Na2CO3 is decomposed according to the following reaction:
- H++½Na2CO3→½CO2+½H2O+Na+, wherein CO2 is collected and removed from the intermediate chamber;
- a cathode chamber comprising an electrochemically active cathode separated from the intermediate chamber by a membrane which permits transport of Na+ ions, wherein the cathode chamber has a source of water and Na+ ions, in which the water is decomposed according to the following reaction:
- Na++H2O+e−→NaOH+½H2, wherein H2 is collected and removed from the cathode chamber and wherein NaOH is collected and removed from the cathode chamber;
- and
- means for facilitating the reaction of CO2 and H2 to form synthesis gas comprising CO and H2.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.