Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EPOCH (Electrocatalytic Production of liquid Organic hydrogen carrier and CHemicals from lignin)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-10-01 al 2023-09-30
EPOCH proposes to develop a novel approach in linking green hydrogen production with the direct loading of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) enabling a transformative logistic of green hydrogen distribution and storage. Lignin derivatives are used to be selectively oxidized. Compared to water electrolysis, EPOCH will advance the field by (1) using the nascent hydrogen at the cathode directly to load LOHCs allowing economic H2 storage and transport, and (2) converting at the anode waste lignin and its derivatives via selective oxidation. EPOCH is beyond the state-of-the-art solutions, as it does not form molecular H2 at the cathode nor generates oxygen at the anode. By modifying both cathodic and anodic reactions, EPOCH reduces the energy intensity.
EPOCH will enable better cell performance and enhanced added-value device operations by (i) improving energy efficiency, (ii) allowing cost reductions, and (iii) intensifying the process. The EPOCH device will be designed for flexible integration with biorefineries and pulp & paper industries, to valorize their lignin waste streams, thus, linking these industrial sectors and H2 economy. EPOCH will allow the production of green H2 in areas where renewable energy production (in the energy mix) is higher. Therefore, EPOCH will offer a new path to effectively decrease the carbon footprint of energy-intensive industries.
Development of the novel EPOCH electrocatalytic device requires (a) advanced components (electrocatalysts, electrodes, electrolytes and ionic liquid promoters, membranes) and (b) validation of the full module cell operation at laboratory scale. Thus, our project integrates multidisciplinary top-experts in areas such as electrocatalysis, lignin chemistry, and materials synthesis, with a large engineering company on energy transition and a SME world-leading the LOHC technology development and logistic.
The overall objectives of the EPOCH project are:
1) To develop and validate an innovative technology of direct green H2-carrier (LOHC) production, based on renewable energy, without use of fossil fuels, and combined with the coproduction of carbon-neutral bio-derived chemicals.
2) To exploit waste materials and abundant natural lignin resources and to minimize the use of critical raw materials (CRMs) for cell development.
EPOCH will enable better cell performance and enhanced added-value device operations by (i) improving energy efficiency, (ii) allowing cost reductions, and (iii) intensifying the process. The EPOCH device will be designed for flexible integration with biorefineries and pulp & paper industries, to valorize their lignin waste streams, thus, linking these industrial sectors and H2 economy. EPOCH will allow the production of green H2 in areas where renewable energy production (in the energy mix) is higher. Therefore, EPOCH will offer a new path to effectively decrease the carbon footprint of energy-intensive industries.
Development of the novel EPOCH electrocatalytic device requires (a) advanced components (electrocatalysts, electrodes, electrolytes and ionic liquid promoters, membranes) and (b) validation of the full module cell operation at laboratory scale. Thus, our project integrates multidisciplinary top-experts in areas such as electrocatalysis, lignin chemistry, and materials synthesis, with a large engineering company on energy transition and a SME world-leading the LOHC technology development and logistic.
The overall objectives of the EPOCH project are:
1) To develop and validate an innovative technology of direct green H2-carrier (LOHC) production, based on renewable energy, without use of fossil fuels, and combined with the coproduction of carbon-neutral bio-derived chemicals.
2) To exploit waste materials and abundant natural lignin resources and to minimize the use of critical raw materials (CRMs) for cell development.
In the initial phase spanning months one to twelve of the EPOCH project (M1-M12), our research was concentrated on the development of key components, i.e. cathode, anode, membrane, and electrolyte promoter. Simultaneously, we were actively engaged in identifying (bio-)LOHCs (liquid organic hydrogen carriers) and exploring target anodic oxidation reactions and approaches using lignin-derived reactants (substrates). Careful planning has been dedicated to the cell-device integration, validation, and technology assessment. In tandem, parallel efforts are underway in areas, such as dissemination, communication, and exploration, alongside coordination and management, as well as extensive portfolio activities.
More specifically, during this period, the progress towards the overall objectives is listed below:
1) We have identified three (bio-based) LOHCs as target molecules (D1.1 Task 1 in WP1).
2) We have identified six anodic oxidation reactions and two approaches from five lignin-derived reactants (substrates) (D1.2 Task 1 in WP2).
3) We have identified membranes and conducted initial activity tests (D3.1 Task 1 in WP3).
4) We have conducted a theoretical screening of electrolyte promoters based on the identified reactants, three representative lignin model compounds, and one dimer (Task 2 in WP3).
5) The identification and development of cathodes and anodes have been studied from both catalysts and supports, and their performances have been tested using different cell configurations (Task 2 in WP1; Task 2 in WP2).
6) We have started purchasing equipment for assembling the cell, and system assessments have been planned (WP4, WP5).
7) In parallel, we have actively disseminated, communicated, and exploited our project and the project outcomes through different channels, including those in portfolio activities (WP6-WP8), and in particular, we have organized one international workshop in August of 2023.
Within the first period, 10 deliverables were submitted in time, and 4 milestones were achieved.
More specifically, during this period, the progress towards the overall objectives is listed below:
1) We have identified three (bio-based) LOHCs as target molecules (D1.1 Task 1 in WP1).
2) We have identified six anodic oxidation reactions and two approaches from five lignin-derived reactants (substrates) (D1.2 Task 1 in WP2).
3) We have identified membranes and conducted initial activity tests (D3.1 Task 1 in WP3).
4) We have conducted a theoretical screening of electrolyte promoters based on the identified reactants, three representative lignin model compounds, and one dimer (Task 2 in WP3).
5) The identification and development of cathodes and anodes have been studied from both catalysts and supports, and their performances have been tested using different cell configurations (Task 2 in WP1; Task 2 in WP2).
6) We have started purchasing equipment for assembling the cell, and system assessments have been planned (WP4, WP5).
7) In parallel, we have actively disseminated, communicated, and exploited our project and the project outcomes through different channels, including those in portfolio activities (WP6-WP8), and in particular, we have organized one international workshop in August of 2023.
Within the first period, 10 deliverables were submitted in time, and 4 milestones were achieved.
During the first year, all the work is initialized with preliminary results. Currently, we have published two review articles in international journals, and we presented our results in conferences, meetings, seminars, and workshops (twenty presentations and eight communications). More results beyond the state of the art will be expected later.