Using earth abundant materials for long duration energy storage: electro-chemical and thermo-chemical cycling of bicarbonate/formate

Gutiérrez, Oliver Y.; Grubel, Katarzyna; Kothandaraman, Jotheeswari; Lopez-Ruiz, Juan A.; Brooks, Kriston P.; Bowden, Mark E.; Autrey, Thomas S.

doi:10.1039/d3gc00219e

Title: Using earth abundant materials for long duration energy storage: electro-chemical and thermo-chemical cycling of bicarbonate/formate

Journal Article · 29 March 2023 · Green Chemistry

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d3gc00219e · OSTI ID:1988264

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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Using hydrogen to store energy in chemical bonds is a key component of the global strategy to achieving a sustainable future and ameliorating climate change. The challenges associated with handling molecular hydrogen can be solved by using liquid hydrogen carriers. In this perspective, we discuss the concept of bicarbonate–formate cycle, where aqueous solutions of formate ions (HCO₂^–) are used as hydrogen and energy carriers. Such solutions are composed by earth abundant elements and, in contrast to common liquid organic carriers, are non-flammable, and readily convert to the oxide forms (HCO₃^–) under reaction with water to release hydrogen, or electrons, at moderate temperatures. We discuss thermodynamic aspects of the bicarbonate–formate cycle and show how it offers the opportunity of combining electrochemical and thermochemical operations, as well as of coupling CO₂ capture with energy/hydrogen storage. We emphasize the potential role of electrochemistry in the generation of formate and in the release of energy in the form of electricity. At present, more information on both the fundamental and systems level, is needed to identify the feasible scenarios for using formate/bicarbonate salts for hydrogen/energy storage. It is likely, however, that several strategies, including hybrid electrochemical–thermochemical approaches, will suit different applications. It is also clear that more integration between the disciplines of electrochemistry and heterogeneous catalysis is needed to overcome the challenges for advancing the HCO₃^––HCO₂^– system as a feasible green alternative for storing and transporting energy.

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Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830; AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 1988264

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA-183128

Journal Information:: Green Chemistry, Vol. 25, Issue 11; ISSN 1463-9262

Publisher:: Royal Society of ChemistryCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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