Electrochemical CO2 Utilization: Scalable System Operation for Formic Acid Production
[1];
[2];
[3];
- University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research
- University of Kentukcy Center for Applied Energy Research
- University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research; University of Kentucky Department of Chemistry
- University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research; University of Kentucky Department of Mechanical Engineering
In recent years, research into the electrochemical reduction of CO2 has grown exponentially. Formic acid (FA) has become a particular value product from CO2 due to its versatility [1], optimal atom economy [2], and thermodynamic favorable [3]. FA can be produced electrochemically via a direct two-electron transfer process involving CO2 with a proton source, requiring less energy input and fewer reaction steps than the conventional Kemira process. However, product selectivity, electrode stability, and low faradic efficiency due to increased resistance under constant current, remain key issues for CO2 reduction to FA [4]. University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research (UK CAER) is currently investigating reactor designs to address the challenges associated with electrochemical CO2 conversion to FA [5]. The current reactor system employs: (1) an organic-based charge carrier which shuttles charge directly to the catalyst to enable CO2 reduction to FA; (2) novel electrode materials to mitigate large voltages and improve conductivity; and (3) a flow system which not only allows for the volumetric scale-up of both charge carrier and catalyst, but also decouples the charger carrier re-energized and FA production processes to protect the catalyst’s stability due to overpotential. Through careful adjustment of electrode, charge carrier, and electrolyte selection, cell resistances have decreased by over 15%, facilitating conduction necessary for effective CO2 reduction to FA. The system uses a highly specific engineered catalyst, which has produced over 100 mM FA at a rate of over 10 mM FA/hour following the aforementioned electrode/charge carrier changes. System design considerations (flow rate, bulk volume) and modeling of the system will also be discussed.
- Research Organization:
- University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FE0031720
- OSTI ID:
- 1732156
- Report Number(s):
- DOE-UKCAER-31720
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) 2020 Annual Meeting November 16-20 2020, Virtual,
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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