WO2009089592A1 - Regeneration of catalysts used in decomposition of water - Google Patents

Regeneration of catalysts used in decomposition of water Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009089592A1
WO2009089592A1 PCT/AU2009/000052 AU2009000052W WO2009089592A1 WO 2009089592 A1 WO2009089592 A1 WO 2009089592A1 AU 2009000052 W AU2009000052 W AU 2009000052W WO 2009089592 A1 WO2009089592 A1 WO 2009089592A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
regeneration
catalyst
hydrogen
decomposition
closed loop
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2009/000052
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Neville Charles Stephenson
Geoffrey David Will
Original Assignee
Alternative Energy International Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2008900212A external-priority patent/AU2008900212A0/en
Application filed by Alternative Energy International Ltd filed Critical Alternative Energy International Ltd
Publication of WO2009089592A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009089592A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/06—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents
    • C01B3/08—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents with metals
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J38/00—Regeneration or reactivation of catalysts, in general
    • B01J38/48—Liquid treating or treating in liquid phase, e.g. dissolved or suspended
    • B01J38/68—Liquid treating or treating in liquid phase, e.g. dissolved or suspended including substantial dissolution or chemical precipitation of a catalyst component in the ultimate reconstitution of the catalyst
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
    • C01B13/02—Preparation of oxygen
    • C01B13/0203—Preparation of oxygen from inorganic compounds
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
    • C01B13/02—Preparation of oxygen
    • C01B13/0203—Preparation of oxygen from inorganic compounds
    • C01B13/0207—Water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
    • C01B13/02—Preparation of oxygen
    • C01B13/0222—Preparation of oxygen from organic compounds
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/32—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
    • C01B3/34—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
    • C01B3/36—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using oxygen or mixtures containing oxygen as gasifying agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/025—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a partial oxidation step
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/80—Aspect of integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas not covered by groups C01B2203/02 - C01B2203/1695
    • C01B2203/86—Carbon dioxide sequestration
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
    • Y02P20/10—Process efficiency
    • Y02P20/133—Renewable energy sources, e.g. sunlight
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
    • Y02P20/50—Improvements relating to the production of bulk chemicals
    • Y02P20/584—Recycling of catalysts
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P30/00—Technologies relating to oil refining and petrochemical industry

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to regeneration of catalyst materials and in particular to a closed loop method for producing hydrogen through the decomposition of water and regeneration of the catalyst material used in the decomposition for reuse.
  • the term "catalyst” is used in a wide sense. Normally a catalyst remains unchanged in a chemical reaction and is used to facilitate their reaction, hi this application, the "catalyst” used to dissociate water is itself initially involved in the chemistry and but can be regenerated to its original stoichiometry by processes described in this specification. The end result is the dissociation of water into its elemental components and the recovery of the catalyst material for reuse.
  • the present invention is directed to a method for catalyst regeneration, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
  • the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials used in the decomposition of hydrogen-containing molecules, the system including a first process for the decomposition of the hydrogen-containing molecules and a second process for the regeneration of catalyst material using energy or products from renewable sources
  • the invention resides in a closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials used in the thermal decomposition of hydrogen- containing molecules, the system including a first process for the decomposition of the hydrogen-containing molecules and a second process for the regeneration of catalyst material in the presence of hydrogen and added energy produced from renewable sources provided at low voltages to solutions of aqueous salts of the catalyst materials produced in the decomposition of the hydrogen-containing molecules.
  • the invention resides in a less preferred method of catalyst regeneration by the use of global warming compounds, such as methane, and the subsequent production of carbon neutral products, such as carbon dioxide, for sequestration or use in a bioreactor.
  • the hydrogen-containing molecules will be water.
  • the process for the decomposition of water may be any process which results in the production of a useful and product including for example, thermal decomposition and electrochemical decomposition of water.
  • the recovery of elemental iron from its oxides can capitalise on some of the unique features of the various alternative energy systems.
  • the electrodeposition of iron is eminently suited to the use of photovoltaic solar energy since only small voltages are acquired (1.5-1.7 V) and the iron recovery is not dependent on a continuing availability of power.
  • Analytically pure iron has been electrodeposited, on an industrial scale, from aqueous solutions of FeCl 3 + Fe 2 O 3 , FeCl 2 + CaCl 2 , FeSO 4 + NaCl, FeSO 4 + K2SO 4 , Fe(OH) 2 + Fe(OH) 3 amongst others.
  • the factors such as ph, electrolytic concentrations, voltages, temperature and electrode design and positioning (the Hull cell) can be varied to control the iron quality and any cathodic hydrogen can be either incorporated into the deposited elemental iron or eliminated by elevating the temperature.
  • the systems of the present invention will suitably utilise low voltages and intermittent energy supply sources which are characteristic of photovoltaic or solar energy sources for example.
  • Other renewable energy sources, such as wind or wave generated power also have these characteristics and are suitable for use in the system of the present invention.
  • the most preferred energy source is any energy source which is non-carbon based.
  • the thermal or electrochemical decomposition of the water for hydrogen production and the regeneration of the catalyst will take place in the same reaction vessel.
  • the input of high energy steam will typically drive the decomposition reaction system(s) producing the hydrogen in a first direction and the input of the electrical energy derived from the low voltages and intermittent energy supply sources will typically drive the reaction system(s) in the opposite direction.
  • the reaction vessel will therefore preferably be operable in a hydrogen production condition and a catalyst regeneration condition.
  • the operating conditions in the reaction vessel will be adjusted to maximise the hydrogen production in the production condition and to maximise the electrodeposition or regeneration of the catalyst material in the regeneration condition.
  • the catalyst will typically be an iron complex but may take other forms, such as transition metals, their complexes or suitable electro-positive and amphoteric elements.
  • the invention is not limited to the type of catalyst which it is used to regenerate.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of the closed loop natural carbon cycle.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of the closed loop system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic view of a closed loop natural carbon cycle associated with an inorganic closed loop for the decomposition of water.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of a closed loop natural carbon cycle associated with an inorganic closed loop for the decomposition of methane.
  • a closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials used in the thermal or electrochemical decomposition of water is provided.
  • FIG. 2 A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the system illustrated in Figure 2 is a non-carbon based energy storage and production system.
  • renewable energy in the form of electrical energy is stored in a suitable inorganic receptacle namely iron (Fe) for subsequent use, for example, in the reduction of steam to produce hydrogen gas.
  • Fe iron
  • the energy stored in the iron of approximately 137.3 MJ is transferred to the hydrogen which requires approximately 121 MJ per kilogram in the reduction phase and exothermic energy in the amount of approximately 16.33 MJ is released.
  • This cycle demonstrates a carbon free pathway for the production of hydrogen.
  • the reaction vessel is operable in a hydrogen production condition (top reaction line) and a catalyst regeneration condition (bottom reaction line).
  • the operation of the reaction vessel in either of these conditions produces outputs from the system namely hydrogen gas and energy when operated in the hydrogen production condition and oxygen in the catalyst regeneration condition.
  • the main reaction product of system when operated in the catalyst regeneration condition namely the commodity, is maintained within the system for use in the hydrogen production phase.
  • the operating conditions in the reaction vessel will be adjusted to maximise the hydrogen production in the production condition and to maximise the electrodeposition or regeneration of the catalyst material in the regeneration condition.
  • a combination of organic and inorganic energy storage systems and pathways for the production of hydrogen and the regeneration of both inorganic and organic catalysts is illustrated in Figure 3.
  • the algae used converts carbon dioxide and water into stored carbohydrate containing energy sourced and converted from a solar energy source which is then converted to biogas (CO + H 2 O) using a gasifier.
  • the gases are fed into a bioreactor to be converted back to carbohydrate, whilst the iron is reacted with steam to produce hydrogen.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Catalysts (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials used in the decomposition of hydrogen-containing molecules, the system including a first process for the decomposition of hydrogen-containing molecules and a second process for the regeneration of catalyst material in the presence added energy produced from renewable sources.

Description

REGENERATION OF CATALYSTS USED IN DECOMPOSITION OF
WATER Field of the Invention.
The present invention relates to regeneration of catalyst materials and in particular to a closed loop method for producing hydrogen through the decomposition of water and regeneration of the catalyst material used in the decomposition for reuse.
In this application, the term "catalyst" is used in a wide sense. Normally a catalyst remains unchanged in a chemical reaction and is used to facilitate their reaction, hi this application, the "catalyst" used to dissociate water is itself initially involved in the chemistry and but can be regenerated to its original stoichiometry by processes described in this specification. The end result is the dissociation of water into its elemental components and the recovery of the catalyst material for reuse. Background Art.
Systems for the production of hydrogen from water have been described in International Patent Application numbers PCT/AU2000/00446 and PCT/AU2004/001080 and Australian Provisional patent application number 2007903150. These processes involve the production of hydrogen as the only gaseous product plus salts of the elements used in the aqueous dissociation. For example, the process outlined in Australian Provisional patent application number 2007903150 describes a series of exothermic reactions which produce hydrogen and the various oxides of iron. The cost of the iron and the value of the oxide products result in very competitive costs for hydrogen production and its subsequent available energy. The re-conversion of all the iron oxides back to the original elemental iron requires energy that is equivalent in amount to that generated as exothermic energy in the water dissociation as well as that available from the generated hydrogen.
"Closing the loop" would be a desirable feature of the electrochemical processes described in the above-mentioned patent applications, and also provide a carbon free pathway to the efficient production of pure hydrogen from water provided that the regeneration was not carbon-based.
It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.
Summary of the Invention.
The present invention is directed to a method for catalyst regeneration, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials used in the decomposition of hydrogen-containing molecules, the system including a first process for the decomposition of the hydrogen-containing molecules and a second process for the regeneration of catalyst material using energy or products from renewable sources, hi a second form, the invention resides in a closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials used in the thermal decomposition of hydrogen- containing molecules, the system including a first process for the decomposition of the hydrogen-containing molecules and a second process for the regeneration of catalyst material in the presence of hydrogen and added energy produced from renewable sources provided at low voltages to solutions of aqueous salts of the catalyst materials produced in the decomposition of the hydrogen-containing molecules. hi a third form, the invention resides in a less preferred method of catalyst regeneration by the use of global warming compounds, such as methane, and the subsequent production of carbon neutral products, such as carbon dioxide, for sequestration or use in a bioreactor.
Normally, the hydrogen-containing molecules will be water. The process for the decomposition of water may be any process which results in the production of a useful and product including for example, thermal decomposition and electrochemical decomposition of water.
The recovery of elemental iron from its oxides can capitalise on some of the unique features of the various alternative energy systems. For example, the electrodeposition of iron is eminently suited to the use of photovoltaic solar energy since only small voltages are acquired (1.5-1.7 V) and the iron recovery is not dependent on a continuing availability of power.
Analytically pure iron has been electrodeposited, on an industrial scale, from aqueous solutions of FeCl3 + Fe2O3, FeCl2 + CaCl2, FeSO4 + NaCl, FeSO4 + K2SO4, Fe(OH)2 + Fe(OH)3 amongst others. The factors such as ph, electrolytic concentrations, voltages, temperature and electrode design and positioning (the Hull cell) can be varied to control the iron quality and any cathodic hydrogen can be either incorporated into the deposited elemental iron or eliminated by elevating the temperature.
Low voltages are also involved in the redox conversions of Fein/Fell complexes, such as
[Fe(phen)3]+3 + e — ► [Feπ(phen)3]+2 E0 = +1.06V in which case trivalent iron can be reduced to divalent iron which can then reduce steam to hydrogen according to :
2FeO + H2O ► Fe2O3 + H2 ΔH = -38 kJ
As a further example, only low voltages are needed to electro-deposit aluminium and magnesium from solutions of their salts in ethanolamine.
Systems for the production of hydrogen from water have been described in International Patent Application numbers PCT/AU2000/00446 and PCT/AU2004/001080 and Australian Provisional patent application number 2007903150 and the disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.
The systems of the present invention will suitably utilise low voltages and intermittent energy supply sources which are characteristic of photovoltaic or solar energy sources for example. Other renewable energy sources, such as wind or wave generated power also have these characteristics and are suitable for use in the system of the present invention. The most preferred energy source is any energy source which is non-carbon based.
For example, nuclear fission presents energy storage problems in that sustained energy release occurs independently of demand. Similarly, systems for the thermal or electrochemical decomposition of water to produce hydrogen require that the hydrogen be contained and stored. When the apparent limitations of both these systems are coupled together, the production of hydrogen and iron oxides from thermal or electrochemical decomposition of water and the reverse process viz the production of elemental iron and steam from hydrogen and iron oxides utilising electricity, provides an excellent reversible mechanism form the storage of hydrogen
(in water) and its subsequent release using the thermal or electrochemical decomposition reaction system(s). Preferably, the thermal or electrochemical decomposition of the water for hydrogen production and the regeneration of the catalyst will take place in the same reaction vessel. The input of high energy steam will typically drive the decomposition reaction system(s) producing the hydrogen in a first direction and the input of the electrical energy derived from the low voltages and intermittent energy supply sources will typically drive the reaction system(s) in the opposite direction.
The reaction vessel will therefore preferably be operable in a hydrogen production condition and a catalyst regeneration condition.
Normally, the operating conditions in the reaction vessel will be adjusted to maximise the hydrogen production in the production condition and to maximise the electrodeposition or regeneration of the catalyst material in the regeneration condition.
The catalyst will typically be an iron complex but may take other forms, such as transition metals, their complexes or suitable electro-positive and amphoteric elements. The invention is not limited to the type of catalyst which it is used to regenerate.
Present day practices of burning fossil fuels and petrochemical products to yield the energy stored by ancient photosynthetic processes results in oxygen depletion of the atmosphere and dangerous pollution by global warming gaseous carbon components.
Once the energy production loop has been "closed" to produce a reversible, carbon-free pathway for the storage and delivery of energy using a synergistic system of electrochemical reactions, it can be seen that the systems of the present invention resemble nature's process of storing and delivering energy in biological pathways.
Brief Description of the Drawings.
Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of the closed loop natural carbon cycle. Figure 2 is a schematic view of the closed loop system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a closed loop natural carbon cycle associated with an inorganic closed loop for the decomposition of water. Figure 4 is a schematic view of a closed loop natural carbon cycle associated with an inorganic closed loop for the decomposition of methane.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials used in the thermal or electrochemical decomposition of water is provided.
Nature's process of storing and delivering energy in biological pathways is illustrated schematically in Figure 1. According to the pathway illustrating Figure 1, renewable energy, preferably sourced from a solar energy source, preferably of approximately 211.5 MJ is stored in a carbon-based organic compound in the form of carbohydrates for later use.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 2. The system illustrated in Figure 2 is a non-carbon based energy storage and production system. According to the inorganic equivalent of the food cycle system illustrated in Figure 2, renewable energy in the form of electrical energy is stored in a suitable inorganic receptacle namely iron (Fe) for subsequent use, for example, in the reduction of steam to produce hydrogen gas. During this process, the energy stored in the iron of approximately 137.3 MJ is transferred to the hydrogen which requires approximately 121 MJ per kilogram in the reduction phase and exothermic energy in the amount of approximately 16.33 MJ is released. This cycle demonstrates a carbon free pathway for the production of hydrogen.
Low voltages are involved in the redox conversions of Felll/Fell complexes, such as [Fe(phen)3f3 + e — ► [Feπ(phen)3]+2 E0 = +1.06V in which case trivalent iron can be reduced to divalent iron which can then reduce steam to hydrogen according to:
2FeO + H2O ► Fe2O3 + H2 ΔH = -38 kJ
It can be seen from Figure 2 that the thermal or electrochemical decomposition of the water for hydrogen production and the regeneration of the catalyst take place in the same reaction vessel. The input of high energy steam (and the removal of the hydrogen) will drive the decomposition reaction system(s) producing the hydrogen in a first direction and the input of the electrical energy derived from the low voltages and intermittent energy supply sources will typically drive the reaction system(s) in the opposite direction.
The reaction vessel is operable in a hydrogen production condition (top reaction line) and a catalyst regeneration condition (bottom reaction line). The operation of the reaction vessel in either of these conditions produces outputs from the system namely hydrogen gas and energy when operated in the hydrogen production condition and oxygen in the catalyst regeneration condition. Importantly, the main reaction product of system when operated in the catalyst regeneration condition, namely the commodity, is maintained within the system for use in the hydrogen production phase.
Normally, the operating conditions in the reaction vessel will be adjusted to maximise the hydrogen production in the production condition and to maximise the electrodeposition or regeneration of the catalyst material in the regeneration condition. A combination of organic and inorganic energy storage systems and pathways for the production of hydrogen and the regeneration of both inorganic and organic catalysts is illustrated in Figure 3. The algae used converts carbon dioxide and water into stored carbohydrate containing energy sourced and converted from a solar energy source which is then converted to biogas (CO + H2O) using a gasifier. The gases are fed into a bioreactor to be converted back to carbohydrate, whilst the iron is reacted with steam to produce hydrogen.
The system and pathway illustrating Figure 4 shows the use of methane (or a similar appropriate alkane) in the regeneration of both the inorganic catalyst (Fe) together with products for the regeneration of the organic catalyst (carbohydrate). In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims

Claims
1. A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials used in the decomposition of hydrogen-containing molecules, the system including a first process for the decomposition of hydrogen-containing molecules and a second process for the regeneration of catalyst material in the presence added energy produced from renewable sources.
2. A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials used in the basic decomposition of hydrogen-containing molecules, the system including a first process for the decomposition of hydrogen-containing molecules and a second process for the regeneration of catalyst material in the presence added energy produced from renewable sources provided at low voltages to solutions of aqueous salts of the catalyst materials produced in the decomposition of the water.
3. A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the hydrogen-containing molecule is water.
4. A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials as claimed in claim 3 wherein the decomposition of water is via electrochemical or thermal decomposition.
5. A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the regeneration of catalyst is also in the presence of a hydrogen-containing molecule.
6. A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the regeneration of an iron catalyst uses energy from a solar energy source since only small voltages are required and the iron recovery is not dependent on a continuing availability of power.
7. A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the regeneration of an aluminium and magnesium catalyst from solutions of their salts in ethanolamine occurs using a solar energy source.
8. A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the regeneration of catalyst from solutions of their salts occurs using a non-carbon based.
9. A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the decomposition of the hydrogen- containing molecules for hydrogen production and the regeneration of the catalyst takes place in the same reaction vessel.
10. A closed loop system for the regeneration of catalyst materials as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the catalyst material includes such as transition metals, their complexes or suitable electro-positive and amphoteric elements.
11. A method of catalyst regeneration by the use of global warming compounds, such as methane, and the subsequent production of carbon neutral products, such as carbon dioxide, for sequestration or use in a bioreactor.
PCT/AU2009/000052 2008-01-16 2009-01-16 Regeneration of catalysts used in decomposition of water WO2009089592A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2008900212 2008-01-16
AU2008900212A AU2008900212A0 (en) 2008-01-16 Regeneration of Catalysts Used in Decomposition of Water

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009089592A1 true WO2009089592A1 (en) 2009-07-23

Family

ID=40885001

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2009/000052 WO2009089592A1 (en) 2008-01-16 2009-01-16 Regeneration of catalysts used in decomposition of water

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009089592A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109534479A (en) * 2018-12-10 2019-03-29 中南大学 A kind of methods and applications of heterogeneous fenton catalyst catalytic activity reactivation
CN117291315A (en) * 2023-11-24 2023-12-26 湖南大学 Carbon recycling electric-gas-thermal multi-energy combined supply network cooperative operation method

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4105517A (en) * 1977-09-30 1978-08-08 Nasa Solar photolysis of water
JPH1121101A (en) * 1997-06-30 1999-01-26 Yutaka Tamaura Production of hydrogen and hydrogen-generating reaction agent
EP0931855A1 (en) * 1997-11-27 1999-07-28 Director-General Of The Agency Of Industrial Science And Technology Production of hydrogen from water using photocatalyst-electrolysis hybrid system

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4105517A (en) * 1977-09-30 1978-08-08 Nasa Solar photolysis of water
JPH1121101A (en) * 1997-06-30 1999-01-26 Yutaka Tamaura Production of hydrogen and hydrogen-generating reaction agent
EP0931855A1 (en) * 1997-11-27 1999-07-28 Director-General Of The Agency Of Industrial Science And Technology Production of hydrogen from water using photocatalyst-electrolysis hybrid system

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109534479A (en) * 2018-12-10 2019-03-29 中南大学 A kind of methods and applications of heterogeneous fenton catalyst catalytic activity reactivation
CN117291315A (en) * 2023-11-24 2023-12-26 湖南大学 Carbon recycling electric-gas-thermal multi-energy combined supply network cooperative operation method
CN117291315B (en) * 2023-11-24 2024-02-20 湖南大学 Carbon recycling electric-gas-thermal multi-energy combined supply network cooperative operation method

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Ahmed et al. Sustainable hydrogen production: Technological advancements and economic analysis
Nikolaidis et al. A comparative overview of hydrogen production processes
Singla et al. Hydrogen production technologies-Membrane based separation, storage and challenges
Martinez-Burgos et al. Hydrogen: Current advances and patented technologies of its renewable production
Scott Introduction to electrolysis, electrolysers and hydrogen production
Graves et al. Sustainable hydrocarbon fuels by recycling CO2 and H2O with renewable or nuclear energy
Chaubey et al. A review on development of industrial processes and emerging techniques for production of hydrogen from renewable and sustainable sources
Crabtree et al. The hydrogen fuel alternative
Du Preez et al. On-demand hydrogen generation by the hydrolysis of ball-milled aluminum composites: A process overview
Rouwenhorst et al. Ammonia, 4. Green ammonia production
Blagojević et al. Hydrogen economy: modern concepts, challenges and perspectives
Seelam et al. Overview on recent developments on hydrogen energy: Production, catalysis, and sustainability
Anish et al. Utilization of nano materials in hydrogen production-Emerging technologies and its advancements: An overview
WO2009089592A1 (en) Regeneration of catalysts used in decomposition of water
Nayak et al. Biohydrogen
Kumar et al. Recent Advancements in Nano-Metal-Based Electrocatalysts: Green Hydrogen Production and Storage
Maan et al. Application of carbon-based smart nanocomposites for hydrogen production: current progress, challenges, and prospects
Wang et al. Value‐Added Aqueous Metal‐Redox Bicatalyst Batteries
Elam IEA Agreement on the Production and Utilization of Hydrogen
Sandoval-González et al. Hydrogen production: technical challenges and future trends
Tong et al. Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
Tuli Hydrogen production technologies: challenges and opportunity
Chaturvedi et al. Photocatalytic hydrogen production
Krasulevska et al. COMPARISON OF METHODS OF GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
Nanda et al. * York University, Toronto, ON, Canada,† Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States,‡ Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, § University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 09702592

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 09702592

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1