Abstract: A method and system for electrochemically regenerating hydroxide (MOH) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from an alkali metal carbonate (M2CO3) via an electrochemical reactor that can replace a conventional thermochemical causticizing operation in a DAC system. The electrochemical reactor comprises: a cathode having an inlet for receiving an electrolyte feed stream comprising MOH, M2CO3 and H2O, and an outlet for discharging an electrolyte product stream comprising MOH, M2CO3, H2O and H2; a porous hydrophilic transport barrier in adjacent contact with the cathode; a porous hydrophilic anode in adjacent contact with the transport barrier configured and operable to generate CO2 in the presence of MOH while suppressing their recombination; a porous hydrophobic CO2 and O2 separation barrier in adjacent contact with the anode; and a product gas exit channel in adjacent contact with the CO2 and O2 separation barrier and for discharging an anode product stream comprising at least CO2.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for operating electrochemical reactors with multi-phase feeds, in which a liquid feed stream is dispersed in a second fluid to form a spray, mist or emulsion before entering the reaction zone. The invention is applicable to both electro-synthesis and fuel cell reactors, with particular utility in mixed-reactant fuel cells.

Abstract: A cell unit of a mixed reactant fuel cell comprises a multiphase mixed reactant fluid distributor, an anode and cathode in fluid and electronic communication with the distributor, and a separator positioned relative to one of the anode and the cathode to provide electronic insulation and ionic communication between the cell unit and another adjacent cell unit. The distributor is electronically conductive and the reactant fluid which flows through the distributor has fuel and oxidant each in separate fluid phases, wherein at least one of the fuel and oxidant fluid phases is a liquid.