Status and gaps toward fossil-free sustainable chemical production

Abstract

Chemical production needs to transform radically toward fossil-free sustainable chemical production to meet the targets for net-zero emissions by the year 2050. The feasibility of this transformation, the motivations, status...

Advanced (photo)electrocatalytic approaches to substitute the use of fossil fuels in chemical production

“…In addition, a new framework of electrocatalytically based reactions is required to develop a new chemistry based on renewable resources alternative to fossil fuel use. [10][11][12] Rather than just coupling the conversion of biobased molecules with reactions such as HER, OER or CO 2 RR, new electrocatalytic methods should be developed to use the active intermediates generated in the electrocatalytic conversion of small molecules. Reactions to explore include (i) direct coupling of in situ generated intermediates, (ii) tandem reactions using in situ generated chemicals, and (iii) the eventual coupling between electro-and heterogeneous catalysis.…”

“…[6][7][8][9] Future chemical production will critically depend on developing new catalytic processes using directly renewable energy and alternative carbon raw materials to achieve an ultra-low carbon footprint. 10,11 Electrocatalysis has better perspectives for industrial implementation among the emerging areas of catalysis. [12][13][14][15] In comparison to alternative catalytic technologies using directly renewable energy sources, such as photo-and plasma-catalysis, the main benefits are (i) knowledge for scaling-up and industrialisation of the processes, (ii) better process intensification by developing stacked electrocatalytic cells, and (iii) larger productivities by volume.…”

“…Addressing the challenges of creating new fossil-free chemistry requires exploring novel solutions and approaches by identifying the limiting factors for exploitability and studying how to overcome them. 10,11 Relevant progress has been made in understanding and improving the performance of the (photo)electrocatalysts. [12][13][14][15] Still, we suggest that a primary limiting factor in the transition to fossil-free chemical production is the scarce effort to innovate through novel concepts and ideas for (photo)electrocatalytic devices and operations that explore new solutions, opportunities, challenges and value chains.…”

“…6–9 Future chemical production will critically depend on developing new catalytic processes using directly renewable energy and alternative carbon raw materials to achieve an ultra-low carbon footprint. 10,11…”

“…Addressing the challenges of creating new fossil-free chemistry requires exploring novel solutions and approaches by identifying the limiting factors for exploitability and studying how to overcome them. 10,11…”