Scaling Considerations for the Commercialization of the Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction

Abstract

The Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction (ECO2RR) is an attractive method to produce CO2-based chemicals. Formate is an ideal target compound due to its high atom efficiency, low electrical demand, and potential as a building block for carbon-negative products. In recent years, low temperature ECO2RR electrocatalyst research has developed rapidly, reporting impressive efficiencies (>90 % FE) at industrial relevant current densities (>200 mA/cm2). While these are essential metrics, there is less focus on the commercialization of these systems, such as electrode stability and process scalability. For industrial feasibility, ECO2RR electrolyzers must be >1 meter high, stable for 5 years, and operate under elevated temperatures and fluctuating pressures. This presents challenges to typical gas diffusion electrodes used in ECO2RR, which rely on a fine pressure gradients for efficient gas transport to the catalyst layer. Furthermore, high product concentrations and high CO2 utilization are essential for achieving an overall, energy efficient process. At Avantium’s Volta group, we industrialize ECO2RR processes. This presentation will demonstrate the scaling potential of these processes with examples from our pre-pilot units. Overall, we believe that ECO2RR will be a key technology to de-fossilize the chemical industry and valorize CO2 as the feedstock of the future. Figure 1