Title: Renewable electricity storage using electrolysis

Abstract

Electrolysis converts electrical energy into chemical energy by storing electrons in the form of stable chemical bonds. The chemical energy can be used as a fuel or converted back to electricity when needed. Water electrolysis to hydrogen and oxygen is a well-established technology, whereas fundamental advances in CO ₂ electrolysis are still needed to enable short-term and seasonal energy storage in the form of liquid fuels. This paper discusses the electrolytic reactions that can potentially enable renewable energy storage, including water, CO ₂ and N ₂ electrolysis. Recent progress and major obstacles associated with electrocatalysis and mass transfer management at a system level are reviewed. We conclude that knowledge and strategies are transferable between these different electrochemical technologies, although there are also unique complications that arise from the specifics of the reactions involved.

Authors:

Yan, Zhifei; Hitt, Jeremy L.; Turner, John A.; Mallouk, Thomas E.

Publication Date:

2019-12-16

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1579573

Grant/Contract Number:  

FG02- 07ER15911

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America; Journal ID: ISSN 0027-8424

Publisher:

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English