Electrification of CO2 conversion into chemicals and fuels: Gaps and opportunities in process systems engineering

Abstract

Conversion of CO2 into C1 and C2+ chemicals and fuels via electricity has emerged as an important piece in achieving a carbon-neutral economy as it allows the emitted CO2 to be recycled as a carbon source. Specifically, direct electrochemical reduction and indirect conversion via hydrogenation (with green hydrogen) have been widely studied. Yet, most of the electrochemical conversion technologies remain at low technology readiness levels (TRLs) and need further development before full-scale deployment. Process systems engineering can play a significant role through different phases of this development, particularly in the design, evaluation, and scale-up of the electrified conversion processes despite their early-stage nature. In this paper, we review the recent technological developments and process-level analyses of electrified CO2 conversion technologies. Then, we present two case studies: (i) early-stage evaluation of ten electrified conversion processes in terms of sustainability and (ii) optimal sizing of the electrified systems under the intermittency of renewable electricity. Through the literature survey and the case studies, our perspectives are shared on how the process systems engineering field can contribute in addressing the potential issues that arise in electrifying CO2 conversion processes.