Continuous-flow Photoelectrochemical Cells for Carbon Dioxide Valorization

Objective

Technologies utilizing carbon-dioxide (CO2) as a feedstock to generate valuable products will play a key role in turning the chemical industry onto a more sustainable path. This project addresses the efficient utilization of solar energy and CO2 by introducing a novel technology to produces base chemicals and fuels from non-fossil fuel resources, using an original device architectures for the direct photoelectrochemical (PEC) conversion of CO2 and H2O. During my ERC Starting Grant project we have identified 4 different approaches for PEC CO2 reduction: (i) direct PEC reduction (photocathode), (ii) direct PEC oxidation (photoanode), (iii) PEC reduction and oxidation (photocathode+photoanode tandem), (iv) buried light absorber + EC. In all cases we focus on membrane separated, zero-gap cells, where humidified CO2 can be used as input. This approach will open the opportunity to use industrial exhaust fume (rich in both CO2 and H2O) directly as feedstock for the generation of valuable chemicals. There are four main objectives of this project, which together ultimately result in a preliminary business plan and a roadmap to move PEC_flow cells to commercialization. These are to (i) Validate laboratory results from the ERC HybridSolarFuels Starting Grant, obtain operational parameters under realistic conditions, which can be used in modelling. (ii) Perform technoeconomic and life cycle analysis to select the optimal PEC cell configuration for future activities. (iii) Clarify IPR position and carry out market analysis (including stakeholder- and competitor analysis). (iv) Based on all the above, develop a business plan, which paves the road for future activities, ultimately leading to commercialization.