Process modeling, techno-economic assessment, and life cycle assessment of the electrochemical reduction of CO2: a review

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional fossil-based technologies for the synthesis of chemicals. Its industrial implementation could lead to a reduction in the carbon footprint of chemicals and the mitigation of climate change impacts caused by hard-to-decarbonize industrial applications, among other benefits. However, the current low technology readiness levels of such emerging technologies make it hard to predict their performance at industrial scales. During the past few years, researchers have developed diverse techniques to model and assess the electrochemical reduction of CO 2 toward its industrial implementation. The aim of this literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of techno-economic and life cycle assessment methods and pave the way for future assessment approaches. First, we identify which modeling approaches have been conducted to extend analysis to the production scale. Next, we explore the metrics used to evaluate such systems, regarding technical, environmental, and economic aspects. Finally, we assess the challenges and research opportunities for the industrial implementation of CO 2 reduction via electrolysis.

Current status and pillars of direct air capture technologies

“…Well, looking at many of the latest life cycle analyses of DAC, one true message is portrayed. The common point is that the technology readiness levels are not high enough to accurately make any predictions or calculations for future DAC performance ( Somoza-Tornos et al., 2021 ). This is largely because of the technology being in its infancy.…”

Formic Acid to Power towards Low‐Carbon Economy

“…The most optimistic future cost of electrochemically produced FA is projected to be ≈5 times lower than its market price which seems to be unrealistic under present infrastructure. [104] To estimate the overall cost of FA production from CO 2 electrolysis, operational expenditure (OPEX) is found to be one of the major requisites that primarily depends on the prices of supplied electricity and CO 2 (where OPEX = ((4 × electricity cost) + ((44/46) × CO 2 cost) + ((18/46) × H 2 O cost))). [105] It is evident that with the increasing electricity price ($20 → 140 per MWh) and CO 2 price ($0 → $100 per ton), the FA price increases (Figure 14).…”

“…Several groups around the globe have carried out techno‐economic assessment studies for the direct production of FA through electroreduction of CO 2 and thereafter, estimated different production costs using different models, as shown in the right panel of Figure 13. [ 104 ] These results also included the base case and optimistic scenarios with different assumptions on electricity and CO 2 feedstock prices. As the lack of pilot‐scale case studies and the accompanying data is imposing restrictions for the proper modeling of an industrial‐scale electrolyzer, it is difficult to estimate the future market price of FA precisely.…”

“…The most optimistic future cost of electrochemically produced FA is projected to be ≈5 times lower than its market price which seems to be unrealistic under present infrastructure. [ 104 ]…”

Electrochemical CO2 reduction toward multicarbon alcohols - The microscopic world of catalysts & process conditions

“…With regard to the current state of the art, only CO and HCOOH are commercially viable. However, market analyses show that by further development of catalysts, electrodes, and cells and with it a consequent reduction in energy and product separation costs, higher alcohols are promising products for the future ( Jouny et al., 2018 ; Somoza-Tornos et al., 2021 ). They have a larger market potential than CO and formic acid ( Jouny et al., 2018 ).…”