Electrochemical formation of hydroxide for enhancing carbon dioxide and acid gas uptake by a solution

• Main Author: Rau, Gregory Hudson
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: 37 INORGANIC; ORGANIC; PHYSICAL; AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY; Carbonic acid
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1136746; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1136746

A system for forming metal hydroxide from a metal carbonate utilizes a water electrolysis cell having an acid-producing anode and a hydroxyl-producing cathode immersed in a water solution of sufficient ionic content to allow an electric current to pass between the hydroxyl-producing cathode and the acid-producing anode. A metal carbonate is placed in close proximity to the acid-producing anode. A direct current electrical voltage is provided across the acid-producing anode and the hydroxyl-producing cathode sufficient to generate acid at the acid-producing anode and hydroxyl ions at the hydroxyl-producing cathode. The acid dissolves at least part of the metal carbonate into metal and carbonate ions allowing the metal ions to travel toward the hydroxyl-producing cathode and to combine with the hydroxyl ions to form the metal hydroxide. The carbonate ions travel toward the acid-producing anode and form carbonic acid and/or water and carbon dioxide.