Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ELOBIO (ELectrOlysis of BIOmass)
Período documentado: 2024-01-01 hasta 2025-06-30
The long-term vision of the ELOBIO project is the large-scale production of green hydrogen from renewable cellulosic biomass in fully integrated biorefineries with a circular bio-economy approach from the biomass supplier up to the final bio-products and green hydrogen. The ELOBIO consortium aims to answer the challenge “Novel routes to green hydrogen production” by advancing biomass electrolysis as a novel technological means of green H2 production. The project targets the assembly of a functional electrolyser capable of simultaneously producing pure green H2 and value-added decarbonized chemicals from renewable lignocellulosic biomass, including lignocellulosic from wood/forestry and residues from agriculture, with low energy input (technology transfer from TRL 1 to 4). These electrolysis cell prototypes comprise a selective cathode for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and an anode capable of selectively oxidizing aldose-type sugars (xylose and glucose) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), which can be extracted after primary refining of the cellulosic material available from the abundant biomass feedstock worldwide. Combined, these molecules constitute an appropriate representative model to demonstrate the conceptual electrocatalytic valorization of biomass with cogeneration of pure green H2, with a view to extending it to a broader range of chemicals derived from lignocellulosic biomass treatment. Furthermore, critical materials such as platinum group metals, cobalt, or polymeric membranes are banned from consideration.
ELOBIO has delivered several important innovations:
- Low-overpotential electrocatalysts have been developed that enable the selective and efficient oxidation of glucose and HMF under milder conditions than those required for oxygen evolution. These catalysts increase energy efficiency and produce industrially relevant chemical intermediates.
- Modular flow electrolysis cells tailored to organic feedstocks have been designed and tested under realistic process conditions. These setups enable flexible operation, improve product separation, and are scalable toward industrial application.
- Integrated system models linking experimental electrochemical data with life-cycle assessments and techno-economic evaluations have been established. This provides a framework for benchmarking the environmental and economic impact of bio-based electrolysis technologies.
Together, these advances form the technological backbone for a new generation of biomass-based hydrogen production processes – designed to be efficient, scalable, and embedded in future biorefinery concepts.
- Low-overpotential electrocatalysts have been developed that enable the selective and efficient oxidation of glucose and HMF under milder conditions than those required for oxygen evolution. These catalysts increase energy efficiency and produce industrially relevant chemical intermediates.
- Modular flow electrolysis cells tailored to organic feedstocks have been designed and tested under realistic process conditions. These setups enable flexible operation, improve product separation, and are scalable toward industrial application.
- Integrated system models linking experimental electrochemical data with life-cycle assessments and techno-economic evaluations have been established. This provides a framework for benchmarking the environmental and economic impact of bio-based electrolysis technologies.
Together, these advances form the technological backbone for a new generation of biomass-based hydrogen production processes – designed to be efficient, scalable, and embedded in future biorefinery concepts.
New nickel based anode catalysts and synthesis routes tailored for selectively oxidising biomass derived molecules.
Impact: Lower anode overpotential vs. OER; enables co production of H2 and high value chemicals (e.g. formate, FDCA); supports membrane less operation under defined conditions.
Next steps. Expand catalyst library against priority feed molecules; package data for evaluation with electrolyser OEMs.
New biomass electrolysis cell
Impact: Modular cell platform moving from a 5 cm² screening cell to an industrial relevant ≥ 25 cm², stackable design.
Next steps: Manufacture scaled up cell; start cooperation with industry.
Assisted electrolysis techniques
Alternative methods (magnetoelectrolysis, sonoelectrolysis, over faradaic regimes) to reduce energy use and enhance selectivity.
Impact: Performance boosters for future generations of the cell; options to tune selectivity to target products.
Next steps: Laboratory studies to reproduce effects and define robust operating maps; specify integration into a second generation cell.
Impact: Lower anode overpotential vs. OER; enables co production of H2 and high value chemicals (e.g. formate, FDCA); supports membrane less operation under defined conditions.
Next steps. Expand catalyst library against priority feed molecules; package data for evaluation with electrolyser OEMs.
New biomass electrolysis cell
Impact: Modular cell platform moving from a 5 cm² screening cell to an industrial relevant ≥ 25 cm², stackable design.
Next steps: Manufacture scaled up cell; start cooperation with industry.
Assisted electrolysis techniques
Alternative methods (magnetoelectrolysis, sonoelectrolysis, over faradaic regimes) to reduce energy use and enhance selectivity.
Impact: Performance boosters for future generations of the cell; options to tune selectivity to target products.
Next steps: Laboratory studies to reproduce effects and define robust operating maps; specify integration into a second generation cell.