(Invited) Flexible Electrosynthesis of Fuels and Chemicals at Intermediate Temperatures at Idaho National Laboratory

Abstract

Fuels and commodity chemicals make up a significant share of the potential energy savings opportunities for decarbonized economy and society. New innovative technologies are needed that can reduce the amount of energy and carbon intensity currently required to produce the key fuels and chemicals or associated building blocks. Electrochemistry is playing an increasingly important role in manufacturing as we reduce energy use and address uncertain supply chains driven by industrial electrification. In comparison to processes driven by heat and pressure, electrochemically-driven synthesis of fuels and chemicals provides unique opportunities for selective reactions and separations offering increased flexibility to manufacturing. As one of DOE’s premier multi-program energy research laboratories, Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) mission is to ensure the nation’s energy security with safe, competitive and sustainable energy systems and unique national and homeland security capabilities. INL’s initiative, integrated energy systems (IES) provides carbon-free nuclear and renewable energy for downstream use in manufacturing and transportation. The manufacturing component of IES focuses on integrating clean, carbon-free electrons with waste/renewable heat and includes both manufacturing of electrochemical devices and implementing them in energy-efficient processes. In this talk, we will provide several examples for the pillar of energy to molecules and materials (E2M2) by utilizing the protonic ceramic electrochemical cells/membrane reactors (PCEC/PCEMR). The electrochemical route using PCEC/PCEMR offers a solution of process intensification and low carbon intensity. In addition to direct hydrogen production through water electrolysis at elevated temperatures, in situ use of hydrogen and protons with matching temperature for the industrial processes (e.g. Fischer Tropsch and Haber Bosch) has the advantage to leverage the existing infrastructures.