Novel Electrolyzer Modules for Direct Capture & Utilization of CO₂ (CCU)

TO-175 • PT 1.3101• As of 5/2024
Institute of Energy Technologies
Electrochemical Process Engineering (IET-4)

Technology

We are pioneering the development of composite modules designed for the efficient and on-site capture of atmospheric CO₂ and its subsequent direct electrochemical valorization. Our innovative modules comprise a CO₂ capture unit seamlessly integrated with an electrolyzer, forming a robust system capable of capturing and converting excess CO₂ emissions from various industrial sites or areas with elevated CO₂ footprints. This advanced system not only simplifies the capture of CO₂ but also facilitates its immediate conversion into pure, value-added products. These products can be exploited commercially, while the installation of such modules provides accesses to the benefits of the CO₂ credit-unit market. Our modules are designed for easy installation at any lace, destined to offer a dual benefit of both environmental compliance and economic advantage to the operators. By integrating our technology, industries can efficiently manage their carbon footprint while simultaneously generating valuable outputs.

Problem addressed

Addressing the escalating CO₂ emissions presents a significant challenge in our modern world, especially given the increasing energy demands of our society. Current solutions such as Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) involve liquefying excess atmospheric CO₂ and storing it underground. However, these approaches are highly energy-intensive and the continuous accumulation of liquefied CO₂ underground raises severe concerns regarding the viability and sustainability of such technologies. The risks include potential leakage and long-term environmental impacts, questioning the practicality of this method. Additionally, contemporary methods for CO₂ utilization primarily focus on electrochemical CO₂ reduction (ECR). Conventional ECR electrolyzer setups necessitate pure gaseous CO₂ feedstock and often achieve low overall CO₂ conversion efficiencies. These systems typically re-emit up to 70% of the CO₂ in their product stream. Not only increasing the environmental impact of the technology but also elevating the separation costs of the products, diminishing the efficiency and applicability of classic ECR processes.

Solution

Inspired by sustainable Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) approaches, we offer complete electrolyzer modules designed for the efficient use of atmospheric CO₂. Unlike conventional electrochemical CO₂ reduction (ECR) technologies that require a pure gaseous CO₂ stream, our system leverages a carbonaceous electrolyte solution, such as soda solution, eliminating the need for pure CO₂ input. Our innovative electrolyzer systems have demonstrated a high rate of pure syngas formation (1:1), exceeding 1 A cm⁻², with equally high-energy efficiency. This allows us to achieve over 90% overall CO₂ utilization, through the installation and operation of our composite modules. By channeling large volumes of atmospheric air through our liquid capture solution, we effectively trap and convert atmospheric CO₂ into a carbonate soda electrolyte solution. This solution then feeds our electrolyzer, ensuring efficient and continuous operation. Our technology not only enhances the capture and conversion efficiency of CO₂ but also integrates seamlessly into existing industrial processes. By providing a process-integratable CCU technology, we offer a sustainable and economically viable solution for reducing CO₂ emissions and creating valuable products from atmospheric CO₂. Our technology, is currently featuring the feasible formation of pure CO and Syngas (CO/H₂) streams, aiming in further developing our electrolyzer towards the production of heavier molecules.

Benefits and Potential Use

In the form of a composite module, this technology can be installed in a tandem to any kind of already industrial sites with a distinct environmental CO₂ fingerprint. Utilizing simple, yet efficient operational principles, our units offer a non-invasive solution, to lower the emission toll of existing processes. Easily capturing the emitted CO₂ by-product, our modules directly convert it into valuable products. Which can be sold directly, or used to produce other ‘green’ chemicals. Providing to our customers with an immediate stream of income, and immediate access to the CO₂Trading Market. Our low-temperature Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU) approach eliminates the need for energy-intensive processes and costly storage facilities, ensuring a permanent solution to tackle excess CO₂. By adopting our technology, industries can significantly reduce their CO₂ footprint while gaining economic advantages from the sale or use of the generated products. Our composite modules represent a practical, efficient, and sustainable solution for tackling excess CO₂ emissions.

Development Status and Next Steps

In our ongoing development of composite modules for facile Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU), we have made significant strides in demonstrating the efficiency of our system. We have successfully developed active lab-scale electrolyzers (5 cm²) that valorize captured CO₂, producing pure syngas stream (1:1 ratio) at rates exceeding1 A cm⁻². To enhance the efficiency and applicability of our technology, we are focusing on increasing both the activity of our electrolyzers and the experimental scale. Our immediate goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of our system using a 100 cm² cell, with aspirations to soon operate a pilot kW stack for high-volume CO₂ capture and utilization. By scaling up, we aim to showcase the practical viability of our technology for industrial applications, facilitating broader adoption and contributing to significant reductions in CO₂ emissions, while aiming in forming products of even higher molecular weight.

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