United States Patent Application: 0090159455
Again, since elemental, molecular Hydrogen, H2, is required, in greater or lesser amounts, by some efficient processes for converting Coal into more versatile liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, as seen, for one example, in:
Hydrogen-donor Coal Liquefaction Process; 1980; Exxon Research and Engineering Company; Abstract: Improved liquid yields are obtained during the hydrogen-donor solvent liquefaction of coal ... . Government Interests: The Government of the United States of America has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. E(49-18)-2353 awarded by the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration. Claims: A hydrogen-donor liquefaction process for converting coal or similar carbonaceous solids into lower molecular weight liquid hydrocarbons. In processes of this type, the coal ... is contacted with molecular hydrogen and a hydrogen-donor solvent at elevated temperature and pressure in a liquefaction zone";
and, since H2 can also serve in the catalytic chemical reduction of Carbon Dioxide to form Methane, Methanol and other hydrocarbons, as seen most recently in:
West Virginia Coal Association | USDOE Finances September, 2012, CO2 to Methanol | Research & Development; concerning: "United States Patent Application 20120225956 - Catalysts for the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol; 2012; (Stanford University), California; Abstract: A catalytic composition is provided for methanol production. Government Interests: This invention was made with Government support under Grant No. DE-AC02-76SF00515, awarded by the Department of Energy. The Government has certain rights in this invention. Claims: A catalytic composition for methanol production (and a) process for methanol production ... wherein the feed stream includes CO2 and H2";
we intend to keep documenting the fact that Hydrogen is something we can make pretty efficiently; and, that the processes for generating elemental Hydrogen keep getting improved; and, through a variety of optional technologies, are being made more efficient and more economically attractive.
As seen in one of our earlier reports:
West Virginia Coal Association | USDOE Algae Make Hydrogen for Coal and CO2 Hydrogenation | Research & Development; concerning, in part: "United States Patent 4,442,211 - Method for Producing Hydrogen and Oxygen by Use of Algae; 1984; Assignee: The United States of America; Abstract: Efficiency of process for producing H2 by subjecting algae in an aqueous phase to light irradiation is increased ... . A method of producing H2 and O2 by use of algae and light";
it is feasible to harness the metabolic and enzymatic powers of certain microorganisms to facilitate the "splitting" of water, H2O, into Hydrogen and Oxygen for use in follow-on processes, like that disclosed in our above citation of "United States Patent Application 20120225956 - Catalysts for the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol".
And, herein, we see that concept confirmed by one of our more local Coal Country institutions of higher learning, as in our excerpts, with comment inserted and appended, from the initial link to:
"United States Patent Application 20090159455 - Bio-Electrochemically Assisted Microbial Reactor That Generates Hydrogen Gas and Methods of Generating Hydrogen Gas
Date: June, 2009
Inventors: Bruce Logan, et. al., PA, DE and OR
Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation, State College, PA
(Note that we have cited lead named inventor Bruce Logan, and Penn State University, previously, with respect to similar and related, and intriguing, biotechnology; as in our report of:
West Virginia Coal Association | US Gov Hires Penn State Bugs to Convert CO2 to Methane | Research & Development; concerning: "US Patent Application 20090317882 - Electromethanogenic Reactor and Process for Methane Production; 2009; Inventors: Shaoan Cheng and Bruce Logan, PA; Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation; Abstract: Biological processes for producing methane gas and capturing carbon from carbon dioxide are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include providing an electromethanogenic reactor ... . The methanogenic microorganisms reduce the carbon dioxide to produce methane gas ... . Government Interests: This invention was made with government support under Contract Nos. BES-0401885 and CBET-0730359 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The government has certain rights in the invention.")
Abstract: Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described. One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas.
(The flow of electrical current, and the terminology used to describe it, can be confusing. In essence, the "anodophilic bacteria" like to hang around the "anode" of an electrical circuit, into which they can "dump", as it were, electrons that are produced by their metabolic activity. As can be learned in and deduced from:
How to Define Anode and Cathode; "The anode of a device is the terminal where current flows in from outside. The cathode of a device is the terminal where current flows out"; and, in:
Anode - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; "negative charge moving one way (constitutes) positive current flowing the other way";
by relieving themselves of generated electrons into the anode, the bacteria are able to maintain a positive electrical potential, which helps to energize their water-splitting metabolic processes. That, at least, in the most general of terms, is as was explained to us. Such anodophilic bacteria are well-known, it seems, to people interested in such matters. See, for just two examples:
http://oatao.univ-toulouse.fr/4567/1/Mehanna_4567.pdf ; "'Effect of Geobacter sulfurreducens on the microbial corrosion of mild steel, ferritic and austenitic stainless steels'; Université de Toulouse, France; The so-called anodophilic bacteria naturally adhere to the anode surface and catalyse the oxidation of organic compounds, transferring the electrons produced directly to the anode"; and:
http://www.microbialfuelcell.org/Publications/ENV-CE-IITKGP/P-37-MFC-MMG.pdf; "'Microbial Fuel Cell: A New Approach Of Wastewater Treatment With Power Generation'; Indian Institute of Technology".)
Government Interests: Research carried out in connection with this invention was supported in part by National Science Foundation grant BES-0401885 and US Department of Agriculture grant 68-3A75-3-150. Accordingly, the United States government may have certain rights in the invention.
Claims: A system for producing hydrogen comprising: a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reaction chamber and an exterior of the reaction chamber; an anode at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber; a cathode at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber, the cathode spaced apart at a distance in the range between 0.1-100 centimeters, inclusive, from the anode; a conductive conduit for electrons in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode; an electricity producing microbial fuel cell in electrical communication with the anode and cathode to enhance an electrical potential between the anode and cathode; and a first channel defining a passage from the exterior of the reaction chamber to the interior of the reaction chamber.
A system for producing hydrogen, comprising: a reaction chamber (as described).
The system ... further comprising a proton exchange membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode (and) a filter interposed between the anode and the cathode.
The system ... wherein the anode is porous to a liquid containing an organic substrate for anodophilic bacteria.
The system (as described and specified) further comprising a hydrogen collection system.
A process for producing hydrogen, comprising providing a system for producing hydrogen ..., the system comprising a reactor having an interior; providing anodophilic bacteria disposed within the interior of the reactor; introducing an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria; incubating the organic material oxidizable by the anodophilic bacteria under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode; activating a power source to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas.
The process ... wherein the activation of the power source includes application of a voltage in the range of 25-1600 millivolts.
A system for producing hydrogen, comprising: a reaction chamber (as described).
The system ... further comprising a proton exchange membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode (and) a filter interposed between the anode and the cathode.
The system ... wherein the anode is porous to a liquid containing an organic substrate for anodophilic bacteria.
The system (as described and specified) further comprising a hydrogen collection system.
A process for producing hydrogen, comprising providing a system for producing hydrogen ..., the system comprising a reactor having an interior; providing anodophilic bacteria disposed within the interior of the reactor; introducing an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria; incubating the organic material oxidizable by the anodophilic bacteria under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode; activating a power source to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas.
The process ... wherein the activation of the power source includes application of a voltage in the range of 25-1600 millivolts.
(The above is key. We still have to provide the bugs with some electricity, but not very much of it. It even seems possible that, even in cloudy US Coal Country, photovoltaic cells could reliably provide that "range of 25-1600 millivolts" electrical potential. This is, in one respect, a biologically catalyzed and highly-leveraged process for water electrolysis.)
The process ... wherein the incubating the organic material oxidizable by the anodophilic bacteria under oxidizing reactions conditions comprises incubation at an ambient temperature in the range of 15-24 C., inclusive.
The process ... wherein the incubating the organic material oxidizable by the anodophilic bacteria under oxidizing reactions conditions comprises incubation at an ambient temperature in the range of 15-24 C., inclusive.
(Those are pretty mild temperatures, and maintaining them shouldn't require much energy, or a sophisticated and expensive structure to house the process.)
The process ... wherein the incubating the organic material oxidizable by the anodophilic bacteria under oxidizing reactions conditions comprises maintenance of substantially anaerobic conditions.
The process ... wherein the incubating the organic material oxidizable by the anodophilic bacteria under oxidizing reactions conditions comprises maintenance of substantially anaerobic conditions.
Background and Field: The invention relates to systems and processes for producing hydrogen gas. In particular, the invention relates to bioelectrochemically assisted microbial reactor systems and processes for producing hydrogen gas.
Hydrogen can be produced from certain forms of biomass by biological fermentation, but yields are low.
Hydrogen can be produced from certain forms of biomass by biological fermentation, but yields are low.
Thus, there is a continuing need for improved methods and apparatus for hydrogen production.
Summary: A system for producing hydrogen is provided which includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction chamber. An anode is provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber and a cathode is also provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber.
A conductive conduit for electrons is provided which is in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode and a power source for enhancing an electrical potential between the anode and cathode is included which is in electrical communication at least with the cathode. A first channel defining a passage from the exterior of the reaction chamber to the interior of the reaction chamber is included.
Optionally, a proton exchange membrane is interposed between the anode and the cathode. In a further option, a filter is interposed between the anode and the cathode, preferably the filter is permeable to protons and impermeable to bacteria.
In a preferred option, the anode is porous to a liquid containing an organic substrate for anodophilic bacteria. In such an embodiment, optionally, a first channel, the anode and the cathode are positioned such that a liquid containing an organic substrate for anodophilic bacteria which is introduced into the interior of the reaction chamber through the channel passes through the anode prior to reaching the cathode. Such an arrangement is advantageous in having a low internal resistance.
As noted, a first channel is included defining a passage from the exterior of the reaction chamber to the interior. More than one channel may be included to allow and/or regulate flow of materials into and out of the reaction chamber. For example, a channel may be included to allow for outflow of a gas generated at the cathode. Further, a channel may be included to allow for outflow of a gas generated at the anode. Further channels may be included to allow flow of a liquid containing an organic material oxidizable by anodophilic bacteria into the chamber and optionally, outflow of liquid from which the organic material has been depleted due to oxidation by bacteria. A regulator device, such as a valve, may be included to further regulate flow of materials into and out of the reaction chamber.
A hydrogen collection system may be included in an inventive system. For instance, a hydrogen collection system may include a container for collection of hydrogen from the cathode. A collection system may further include a conduit for passage of hydrogen. The conduit and/or container may be in gas flow communication with a channel provided for outflow of hydrogen gas from the reaction chamber. Typically, the conduit and/or container are in gas flow communication with the cathode, particularly where the cathode is an air cathode.
A process for producing hydrogen, including providing a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system comprising a reactor having an interior; providing anodophilic bacteria disposed within the interior of the reactor; introducing an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria; incubating the organic material oxidizable by the anodophilic bacteria under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode; activating a power source to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas.
Optionally and preferably, the anodophilic bacteria are disposed on the anode.
Optionally, a proton exchange membrane is interposed between the anode and the cathode. In a further option, a filter is interposed between the anode and the cathode, preferably the filter is permeable to protons and impermeable to bacteria.
In a preferred option, the anode is porous to a liquid containing an organic substrate for anodophilic bacteria. In such an embodiment, optionally, a first channel, the anode and the cathode are positioned such that a liquid containing an organic substrate for anodophilic bacteria which is introduced into the interior of the reaction chamber through the channel passes through the anode prior to reaching the cathode. Such an arrangement is advantageous in having a low internal resistance.
As noted, a first channel is included defining a passage from the exterior of the reaction chamber to the interior. More than one channel may be included to allow and/or regulate flow of materials into and out of the reaction chamber. For example, a channel may be included to allow for outflow of a gas generated at the cathode. Further, a channel may be included to allow for outflow of a gas generated at the anode. Further channels may be included to allow flow of a liquid containing an organic material oxidizable by anodophilic bacteria into the chamber and optionally, outflow of liquid from which the organic material has been depleted due to oxidation by bacteria. A regulator device, such as a valve, may be included to further regulate flow of materials into and out of the reaction chamber.
A hydrogen collection system may be included in an inventive system. For instance, a hydrogen collection system may include a container for collection of hydrogen from the cathode. A collection system may further include a conduit for passage of hydrogen. The conduit and/or container may be in gas flow communication with a channel provided for outflow of hydrogen gas from the reaction chamber. Typically, the conduit and/or container are in gas flow communication with the cathode, particularly where the cathode is an air cathode.
A process for producing hydrogen, including providing a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system comprising a reactor having an interior; providing anodophilic bacteria disposed within the interior of the reactor; introducing an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria; incubating the organic material oxidizable by the anodophilic bacteria under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode; activating a power source to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas.
Optionally and preferably, the anodophilic bacteria are disposed on the anode.
Further preferred is an embodiment in which the material to be oxidized is a component of wastewater.
(Deep within the "Examples" section of the full Disclosure, not reproduced in our excerpts, it is specified that "clarified" "domestic wastewater" can be utilized.)
A process for producing hydrogen, including providing a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system comprising a reactor having an interior; providing anodophilic bacteria disposed within the interior of the reactor; introducing an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria; incubating the organic material oxidizable by the anodophilic bacteria under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode; activating a power source to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas."
-----------------------
In sum and in essence, the technology disclosed herein is a way, using low electrical potentials that could be provided by otherwise non-commercial wind, solar or hydro resources, to further treat minimally treated, perhaps just filtered, "domestic wastewater", and, while reducing or breaking down the organic content of that water, that is, further treating it, generate Hydrogen.