US20240117502
2024-04-11
Chemistry; metallurgy
C25B1/04
Methods and apparatuses are designed to produce hydrogen and oxygen from water or to break down complex compounds into simpler constituents using resonant electromagnetic (EM) waves, particularly sunlight. This technology aims to enhance efficiency in hydrogen production while minimizing costs and environmental impact.
Traditional methods for extracting hydrogen, such as steam reforming, pyrolysis, and water electrolysis, have notable drawbacks. Steam reforming operates at high temperatures and consumes significant energy, while pyrolysis requires complex reactor control due to its high-temperature processes. Water electrolysis, although reliable, suffers from low energy efficiency and high production costs.
The apparatus includes an enclosure for storing compounds, a wave generator that emits EM waves at specific frequencies corresponding to the natural vibrations of chemical bonds, and a control unit that manages these frequencies. Additional components may include electrodes for electrochemical reactions and membranes for separation processes.
This technology can be adapted for diverse applications by varying the size and shape of the apparatus. It can also enhance existing hydrogen production methods by integrating with conventional techniques like steam reforming or electrolysis, potentially improving overall production rates and efficiencies while producing less-complex constituents from various hydrides and non-hydrides.