Development of advanced electrode and catalytic material solutions for effective chemical energy storage using co-electrolys and methanation

The convertis project aims at developing advanced electrode and catalytic reactor material solutions for effective chemical energy storage using combined co-electrolysis and methanation direct synthesis. To achieve this goal, the operating conditions of the combined co-electrolyser and methanation reactor will be optimized with regard to low temperature/high pressure. Both advanced electrode and catalytic materials development and reactor integration are considered in terms of cost-efficiency and sustainability. It will be possible to reduce the cost of the cells by reducing the width of the layers by a factor 2. During the project, 3D reconstruction and modelling will provide specifications regarding the morphology, the microstructure and the composition of the assembly of the layers constituting the electrodes to achieve good electrochemical performances over time. These parameters should be included in the second set of cells. Another set of cells including optimized electrodes will be delivered to verify that the modification of the processing parameters and in fine the architecture of the electrode are beneficial in terms of electrochemical performances and over time (durability). The high-temperature solid oxide co-electrolysis cells can be directly or indirectly solar-energy-powered with concentrated solar power (CSP) systems (special mirror assemblies that track the sun and concentrate its radiation), that can supply the solar electricity for high-temperature co-electrolysis of steam/CO2 mixtures as well as the heat source required for performing the high-temperature process that produce the so-called solar fuels - hydrogen and/or syngas in most cases which can be then converted converted into Methanol or methane for example. The process is thus driven with solar energy which is a sustainable, non-toxic and on critical energy source. The high-efficiency of the process will finally be validated in an industrial environment towards scalability.