Emerging Electrochemical Processes to Decarbonize the Chemical Industry

Abstract

Electrification is a potential approach to decarbonizing the chemical industry. Electrochemical processes, when they are powered by renewable electricity, have lower carbon footprints in comparison to conventional thermochemical routes. In this Perspective, we discuss the potential electrochemical routes for chemical production and provide our views on how electrochemical processes can be matured in academic research laboratories for future industrial applications. We first analyze the CO 2 emission in the manufacturing industry and conduct a survey of state of the art electrosynthesis methods in the three most emission-intensive areas: petrochemical production, nitrogen compound production, and metal smelting. Then, we identify the technical bottlenecks in electrifying chemical productions from both chemistry and engineering perspectives and propose potential strategies to tackle these issues. Finally, we provide our views on how electrochemical manufacturing can reduce carbon emissions in the chemical industry with the hope to inspire more research efforts in electrifying chemical manufacturing.

Electrochemical Recycling of Adenosine Triphosphate in Biocatalytic Reaction Cascades

“…, acetyl phosphate or polyphosphate) , (Figure B). These approaches not only compromise the cost, and atom economy, but also potentially impact the enzyme performance. , Given that electricity is the cheapest alternative energy source and the lowest carbon footprint when produced from renewable sources, here, we report a robust and scalable method to drive the recycling of the ubiquitous cofactor ATP electrochemically (Figure C). In this system, pyruvate is oxidized to CO 2 to produce ATP, effectively providing a simplified electrochemical mimic of the cellular respiration process.…”

NGenE 2022: Electrochemistry for Decarbonization

“…In addition, C 2 H 4 can be turned into fixation products that are carbon dense or have long duration of usage, such as ethylene oxide/ethylene glycol (polyester for textiles), ethylene dichloride (a precursor of PVC plastics), and styrene (rubber found in tires). The reduction of N 2 or NO 3 – to NH 3 would help decarbonize the fertilizer industry, ranked as one of the top four emitters of CO 2 . Anodic processes can also contribute to decarbonization efforts, particularly by decreasing the energy input required to produce clean water.…”

“…The reduction of N 2 or NO 3 − to NH 3 would help decarbonize the fertilizer industry, ranked as one of the top four emitters of CO 2 . 21 Anodic processes can also contribute to decarbonization efforts, particularly by decreasing the energy input required to produce clean water. Electrocatalytic oxidation of organic species present in wastewaters can help in the water remediation process.…”

Inducing a Conductive Surface Layer on Nb2O5 via Argon-Ion Bombardment: Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Li-Ion Batteries

“…The surging demand for advanced electrochemical storage devices has shifted development focus into high-energy and high-power-density electrode materials in efforts to meet modern energy needs. − Among secondary batteries, niobium pentoxide (Nb 2 O 5 ), specifically its orthorhombic polymorph, has gained attention as a high-performance negative electrode material with a high theoretical capacity of 201.7 mAh g –1 based on Nb 5+ /Nb 4+ , exhibiting superior electrochemical performances emanating from pseudocapacitive Li + insertion mechanism(s). ,− Even so, the stoichiometric Nb 2 O 5 is an insulator with a wide band gap (between 3.2 and 4.0 eV) that engenders poor electronic conductivity (σ ∼3 × 10 –6 S cm –1 at 300 K); therefore improving the poor electronic conductivity is key to achieving a high rate performance of Nb 2 O 5 that eventually facilitates the realization of fast rechargeable energy devices. − To overcome the drawback, considerable efforts have been devoted to investigating fabrication techniques such as building special morphology, introducing conductive carbon networks, doping foreign elements for adequate utilization, and nanoarchitecture current collector. − Although materials with the utilization of these methods show certain enhancements, the compatibility with the ongoing manufacturing line remains challenging to meet the requirement of practical utilization of the mentioned methods. A simple experimental design is still highly desirable to circumvent the multistep or complicated synthesis routes.…”