Electrochemical module configuration for the continuous acidification of alkaline water sources and recovery of CO2 with continuous hydrogen gas production

US10450661B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy · US

Inventors

• Felice DiMascio · Rocky Hill, US
• Heather D. Willauer · Fairfax Station, US
• Dennis R. Hardy · California, US
• Frederick Williams · Accokeek, US
• M. Kathleen Lewis · Lake Ariel, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 6, 2017
• Grant date: Oct 22, 2019
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E60/36
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for using an electrochemical cell to continuously acidify alkaline water sources and recover carbon dioxide with simultaneous continuous hydrogen gas production. The electrochemical cell has a center compartment, an electrolyte-free anode compartment having a mesh anode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, an endblock in direct contact with the anode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the anode, an electrolyte-free cathode compartment having a mesh cathode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, and an endblock in direct contact with the cathode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the cathode. Current applied to the electrochemical cell for generating hydrogen gas also lowers the pH of the alkaline water to produce carbon dioxide with no additional current or power.