Ultra clean chemicals via co-electrolysis of H2O and CO2

In this project, a stack of unconventional cells based on a novel class of cathodes based on Ni-alloys and modified-perovskites coupled with electrolytes for intermediate temperatures (i.e. gallate-based perovskites with or without ceria-based barrier layer and conventional anodes (ferrite- or cobaltite-based perovskite) will be developed. This new architecture of cells will be mainly aimed to increase the yield and selectivity to chemical products instead of syngas. Secondarily, the choice of these new combination of materials will assure a significant reduction of H2 use to maintain the cathode on metallic state and an increase of reliability of the entire stack in case of absence of H2. To increase the value of products, a post catalytic unit will be developed based on similar materials used for the cathodes. Several bottom-up procedures of synthesis for the raw powders will be explored in order to achieve proper mechanical, rheological and electrochemical properties whereas the solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) will be developed and investigated in order to assess their processability and analytical properties. Cells, stack, post catalytic unit and complete system will be modelled in order to find the proper operation conditions in presence of typical CO2 effluents (i.e. naval, power plant, metallurgic industries). A business case for the utilization of such type of technology will finally demonstrate the asset of the CLEANCHEMICALS project. The final goal of this 4 years proposal will be the development of two pilot plants: one for the preparation of raw materials and another for cells based on new materials . Secondarely, the demonstration of a proof-of-concept system on a relevant environment (pure gas producer - AirLiquide fab) is a goal for this proposal.