Electrochemical Processes Role in the Drive for Industrial Decarbonization

Abstract

Manufacturers are increasingly focused on meeting sustainability targets by decarbonizing their processes. Process electrification, exploiting the increasing amount of renewable power, is emerging as a viable tool for decarbonizing the chemical process industries (CPI). Electrochemical processing, together with process heating, and supported by electrical energy storage represent the key opportunities for innovation in process electrification.Electrochemical processing, using electrochemistry in place of or alongside traditional thermochemical or biochemical production methods, is already commonly used to produce aluminum, adiponitrile, chlorine, and caustic soda. Electrolysis is also used to produce hydrogen as a more sustainable alternative to steam methane reforming. Despite these commercial applications, electrochemical processing has not been applied broadly across the CPI due in part to slow development of electrodes, complex requirements for electrochemical cell fabrication and operation, and high capital and operating costs. However, spending on research and development in this area is increasing. Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to C1 compounds (e.g., carbon monoxide, formic acid, and methanol) is demonstrated and scalable, and applied research on cell development for the production of C2 and higher compounds (e.g, ethylene, propylene, dimethyl ether, etc.) is accelerating. Development efforts must focus on demonstration of these process technologies at scale and over a range of operating conditions and feedstock qualities.Options for the future should include factory-produced, standardized modular platforms that enable cost-effective electrolysis. These platforms could become a mainstream process for distributed hydrogen production, a key requirement for carbon dioxide utilization. Similarly, electrochemical processing modules with various cell configurations could enable distributed carbon dioxide upgrading to C1 and higher compounds. Each of these cases will require development and demonstration of more efficient electromagnetic power sources and more robust electrode and membrane materials.