Device and Method for Conducting a Chemical Reaction

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is a device and method for carrying out chemical reactions — particularly thermally catalysed ones — in which an electric potential is applied directly to the catalyst material inside the reaction chamber. A voltage source is connected to or interacts with the catalyst medium so that the electrical field can actively influence how the reaction proceeds. By tuning the electric potential, operators can modulate catalytic activity without changing the catalyst itself or the reaction temperature alone. This approach merges electrochemical control with classical heterogeneous catalysis in a single reactor unit.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Electrically controlled catalytic converters for automotive or industrial exhaust-gas treatment, where reaction rates need rapid adjustment.
• Ammonia synthesis or other thermally catalysed industrial processes where fine-tuning catalyst activity can improve yield and energy efficiency.
• Hydrogen production via catalytic reforming reactions, where electric potential modulation can shift selectivity toward desired products.
• Laboratory-scale flow reactors used in pharmaceutical or fine-chemical synthesis requiring precise, switchable catalytic control.
• Renewable-energy-coupled chemical plants where surplus electricity is used to electrochemically boost catalyst performance during off-peak periods.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables real-time, dynamic control of catalytic activity by simply adjusting the applied voltage, without physically replacing or regenerating the catalyst.
• Can reduce the need for extreme reaction temperatures by electrically enhancing catalyst performance, lowering overall energy consumption.
• Improves reaction selectivity by shifting the catalyst's electronic state, potentially reducing unwanted by-products.
• Allows rapid switching of catalytic activity on and off, enabling safer and more flexible reactor operation.
• Integrates electrical control into existing fixed-bed or flow-reactor architectures (as indicated by the broad B01J 8 classifications), minimising redesign effort.
• Opens a path to coupling renewable electricity directly into chemical manufacturing, supporting greener and more sustainable production processes.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for carrying out a chemical reaction, in particular a thermally catalyzed reaction, with a reaction space (2) in which the chemical reaction can take place, a catalyst medium (3) and at least one voltage source (4), which interacts or can interact with the catalyst medium (3) in such a way that the catalyst medium (3) can be subjected to an electrical potential in order to influence the course of the chemical reaction.