CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE AND STORAGE ELECTROLYTIC METHODS

摘要

The present invention relates to the unexpected discovery of systems for capturing carbon dioxide and producing hydrogen gas. In certain embodiments, the system treats wastewater. In certain embodiments, the system captures and sequesters CO2 as carbonate salts.

主权项

1. An electrolytic system comprising:
an anodic cell comprising an anode and an anolyte, wherein the anode is at least partially immersed in the anolyte; a cathodic cell comprising a cathode and a catholyte, wherein the cathode is at least partially immersed in the catholyte; a porous barrier that physically separates the anodic cell and the cathodic cell, wherein the anodic cell and the cathodic cell are in fluidic communication through the porous barrier; an external power source that is connected to the anode and the cathode through electrical conduits, wherein the external power source allows for the application of an external voltage between the anode and the cathode; and a first gas inlet to the cathodic cell, wherein the first gas inlet allows for (a) feeding a CO2-comprising gas into the cathodic cell and/or (b) collecting a gas generated in the cathodic cell;
wherein the anolyte comprises an aqueous electrolyte;wherein the anolyte further comprises a salt of a given cation or a solid material that releases a given cation when reacted with a weak acid, wherein the given cation is capable of forming a sparingly soluble or insoluble salt with at least one selected from the group consisting of bicarbonate and carbonate.