Methods and devices for the production of hydrocarbons from carbon and hydrogen sources

摘要

Devices and methods are described for converting a carbon source and a hydrogen source into hydrocarbons, such as alcohols, for alternative energy sources. The influents may comprise carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas or water, obtainable from the atmosphere for through methods described herein, such as plasma generation or electrolysis. One method to produce hydrocarbons comprises the use of an electrolytic device, comprising an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. Another method comprises the use of ultrasonic energy to drive the reaction. The devices and methods and related devices and methods are useful, for example, to provide a fossil fuel alternative energy source, store renewable energy, sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, counteract global warming, and store carbon dioxide in a liquid fuel.

主权项

1. A device for the gas-phase electrochemical reduction of a carbon-containing gas to produce one or more hydrocarbons, comprising:
a source of carbon-containing gas; a hydrogen source; a cathode in fluidic communication with the source of carbon-containing gas; a pressure and temperature controller configured to maintain the cathode at a pressure between about 1 atm to about 50 atm and a temperature between about 100° C. to less than about 600° C.; an anode in fluidic communication with the hydrogen source; a protonic-conducting electrolyte connecting the cathode and anode; and a source of electrical potential electrically connected to the cathode and anode.