Extraction of carbon dioxide and hydrogen from seawater and hydrocarbon production therefrom

US11421331B2 · 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
• Dennis R. Hardy · California, US
• M. Kathleen Lewis · Lake Ariel, US
• Heather D. Willauer · Fairfax Station, US
• Frederick Williams · Accokeek, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 4, 2016
• Grant date: Aug 23, 2022
• Expiry date: Aug 12, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02W10/37
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Apparatus for seawater acidification including an ion exchange, cathode and anode electrode compartments and cation-permeable membranes that separate the electrode compartments from the ion exchange compartment. Means is provided for feeding seawater through the ion exchange compartment and for feeding a dissociable liquid media through the anode and cathode electrode compartments. A cathode is located in the cathode electrode compartment and an anode is located in the anode electrode compartment and a means for application of current to the cathode and anode is provided. A method for the acidification of seawater by subjecting the seawater to an ion exchange reaction to exchange H+ ions for Na+ ions. Carbon dioxide may be extracted from the acidified seawater. Optionally, the ion exchange reaction can be conducted under conditions which produce hydrogen as well as carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen may be used to produce hydrocarbons.