ELECTROLYZER REACTOR AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

The disclosure relates to an electrolyzer reactor suitable for the reduction of organic compounds. The reactor includes a membrane electrode assembly with freestanding metallic meshes which serve both as metallic electrode structures for electron transport as well as catalytic surfaces for electron generation and organic compound reduction. Suitable organic compounds for reduction include oxygenated and/or unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds, in particular those characteristic of bio-oil (e.g., alone or a multicomponent mixtures). The reactor and related methods provide a resource- and energy-efficient approach to organic compound reduction, in particular for bio-oil mixtures which can be conveniently upgraded at or near their point of production with minimal or no transportation.

主权项

1. An electrolyzer reactor comprising:
(a) a membrane electrode assembly comprising:
(i) a proton exchange membrane (PEM) having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface,(ii) a freestanding first metallic mesh in physical contact with the first PEM surface and having electrocatalytic activity for water oxidation and hydrogen ion formation, and(iii) a freestanding second metallic mesh in physical contact with the second PEM surface and having electrocatalytic activity for reduction of one or more organic compounds,wherein the first metallic mesh and the second metallic mesh are in electrical contact with each other and optionally with a voltage source for driving electrons therebetween; (b) a first reaction volume in fluid communication with (i) the first metallic mesh and (ii) the first PEM surface; and (c) a second reaction volume in fluid communication with (i) the second metallic mesh and (ii) the second PEM surface.