US3959094A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrolytic synthesis of methanol from CO2
Assignee: Energy Research and Development Administration ERDA
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Filing: 1975-03-13
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Granted: 1976-05-25
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Expires: 1995-03-13
Abstract
Abstract A method and system for synthesizing methanol from the CO2 in air using electric power. The CO2 is absorbed by a solution of KOH to form K2CO3 which is electrolyzed to produce methanol, a liquid hydrocarbon fuel.
Inventors
- 👤 Meyer Steinberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 18:15
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25B; C25B3/00; C25B3/20; C25B3/25; C25B3/01; C25B3/07; C25B3/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
The method of synthesizing CH 3 OH comprising the steps of: a. passing air containing CO 2 into contact with an aqueous solution of KOH in an absorber to cause absorption of CO 2 from the air by said KOH producing an aqueous solution containing K 2 CO 3 ; b. passing the solution of K 2 CO 3 through an electrolytic cell having an anode and cathode wherein a D. C. potential is applied to cause electrolysis of the carbonate, methanol being produced at said cathode, and KOH and O 2 being formed at said anode, said O 2 being released; c. passing the aqueous solution of CH 3 OH and KOH also containing K 2 CO 3 out of said cell followed by removing the CH 3 OH from said solution; and d. adding make-up water to the remaining solution and returning same to said absorber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
The method of synthesizing CH 3 OH comprising the steps of: a. passing air containing CO 2 into contact with an aqueous solution of KOH in an absorber to cause absorption of CO 2 from the air by said KOH producing an aqueous solution containing K 2 CO 3 ; b. passing the solution of K 2 CO 3 through an electrolytic cell having an anode and cathode wherein a D. C. potential is applied to cause electrolysis of the carbonate, methanol being produced at said cathode, and KOH and O 2 being formed at said anode, said O 2 being released; c. passing the aqueous solution of CH 3 OH and KOH also containing K 2 CO 3 out of said cell followed by removing the CH 3 OH from said solution; and d. adding make-up water to the remaining solution and returning same to said absorber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 in which the CH 3 OH is removed from solution by distillation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3766027A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-05-25 | 1979-11-24 | 1980-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-05-25 | 1983-11-24 | 1984-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-05-25 | 1987-11-24 | 1988-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |