Electrochemical CO2 reduction - The macroscopic world of electrode design, reactor concepts & economic aspects
Alina Gawel,
Theresa Jaster,
Daniel Siegmund,
Johannes Holzmann,
Heiko Lohmann,
Elias Klemm,
Ulf-Peter Apfel
Affiliations
Alina Gawel
Department of Energy, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT, Osterfelder Str. 3, 46047 Oberhausen, Germany; Inorganic Chemistry I, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
Theresa Jaster
Department of Energy, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT, Osterfelder Str. 3, 46047 Oberhausen, Germany; Inorganic Chemistry I, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
Daniel Siegmund
Department of Energy, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT, Osterfelder Str. 3, 46047 Oberhausen, Germany; Inorganic Chemistry I, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
Johannes Holzmann
Institute of Chemical Technology, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Heiko Lohmann
Department of Energy, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT, Osterfelder Str. 3, 46047 Oberhausen, Germany
Elias Klemm
Institute of Chemical Technology, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Ulf-Peter Apfel
Department of Energy, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT, Osterfelder Str. 3, 46047 Oberhausen, Germany; Inorganic Chemistry I, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany; Corresponding author
Summary: For the efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 into valuable chemical feedstocks, a well-coordinated interaction of all electrolyzer compartments is required. In addition to the catalyst, whose role is described in detail in the part “Electrochemical CO2 Reduction toward Multicarbon Alcohols - The Microscopic World of Catalysts & Process Conditions” of this divided review, the general cell setups, design and manufacture of the electrodes, membranes used, and process parameters must be optimally matched. The authors' goal is to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on how these aspects affect the overall performance of CO2 electrolysis. To be economically competitive as an overall process, the framework conditions, i.e., CO2 supply and reaction product treatment must also be considered. If the key indicators for current density, selectivity, cell voltage, and lifetime of a CO2 electrolyzer mentioned in the techno-economic consideration of this review are met, electrochemical CO2 reduction can make a valuable contribution to the creation of closed carbon cycles and to a sustainable energy economy.
