Thermally Stable Materials for Selective Oxygen Trapping and Manipulation

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In summary, the conversation discusses the search for a thermally stable material that can selectively gather oxygen from air. While many metals can react with oxygen and some liquids can dissolve oxygen, the speaker is specifically looking for a material that can move absorbed oxygen by applying an electric current. The suggested material for this is zirconia, often stabilized with another oxide, which is commonly used in automotive oxygen sensors and requires high temperatures for operation. The speaker also asks if it is possible for a metal to absorb and release oxygen through electric current.
  • #1
physea
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Hello!

I am looking for a thermally stable material that will gather oxygen from air selectively.

I suppose many metals can do that? And oxidise? Or maybe liquids?

However, I want to apply an electrical current and either reverse the binding of oxygen or move the bound oxygen across the surface or the material itself.

Can you help me do this?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Many metals and non-metals can chemically react with oxygen in the air. Commercial oxygen absorbers contain just finely powdered iron.
Molten silver dissolves oxygen too.
However, if you want to move absorbed oxygen by applying electric current, you need oxygen ionic conductor.
The most common is zirconia, often stabilized with addition of another oxide. It is used in automotive oxygen sensors.
It requires high temperature for operation.
 
  • #3
Thanks Henry, very interesting.

Can we have a metal absorb oxygen and then release it by electric current?
 

1. What are thermally stable materials?

Thermally stable materials are substances that can withstand high temperatures without undergoing significant changes in their physical or chemical properties. This means that they do not melt, deform, or break down when exposed to heat, making them ideal for use in applications that require high heat resistance.

2. How are thermally stable materials used for selective oxygen trapping and manipulation?

Thermally stable materials are often used as oxygen traps in gas separation processes. These materials have a high affinity for oxygen and can selectively trap and remove it from a gas mixture. They can also be used for oxygen manipulation, such as controlling the amount of oxygen in a reaction or adjusting the oxygen levels in a confined environment.

3. What makes thermally stable materials suitable for oxygen trapping?

Thermally stable materials have specific chemical and physical properties that make them excellent oxygen traps. These materials have a high surface area and are highly porous, allowing them to adsorb large amounts of oxygen. They also have strong chemical bonds that can hold onto oxygen molecules, preventing them from being released back into the gas mixture.

4. What are some common examples of thermally stable materials used for oxygen trapping?

Some common examples of thermally stable materials used for oxygen trapping and manipulation include zeolites, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and carbon-based materials such as activated carbon and carbon nanotubes. These materials have been extensively studied and have shown promising results in gas separation processes.

5. What are the potential applications of thermally stable materials for selective oxygen trapping and manipulation?

Thermally stable materials have a wide range of potential applications in industries such as chemical processing, environmental remediation, and medical oxygen supply. They can be used for oxygen purification, removal of impurities from industrial gases, and even in artificial photosynthesis for the production of clean energy. These materials have the potential to greatly improve efficiency and reduce costs in various processes that require oxygen manipulation.

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