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Use of hydrogen as a raw material

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Laboratory

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Prototype

Electrolysers with gas diffusion electrodes for CO2 reduction    

Entity:

Electrolysers with gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) are advanced electrochemical devices designed to efficiently convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable products. In this technology, the manufacture of porous electrodes that facilitate the diffusion of CO₂ to the catalyst is critical to obtain competitive efficiencies. These catalysts, often composed of noble metals or specific catalytic materials, are developed for the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ into molecules such as carbon monoxide (CO), methanol, ethanol, ethylene and other hydrocarbons. This technology offers high energy efficiency, higher selectivity and is scalable for industrial applications. 

Challenges met

  • Integration with renewable energies. 
  • Transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. 
  • Production of sustainable raw materials and fuels. 

Scope of application

  • Energy industry – More sustainable energy production and less dependence on fossil fuels. 
  • Chemical Industry – Raw material that can be used in various industrial applications. 
  • Energy storage – Effectively storing renewable energy. 

Main publications

  • Alarcón, T. Andreu, and C. Ponce de León, “CeO2 -promoted Cu2O-based catalyst sprayed on the gas diffusion layer for the electroreduction of carbon dioxide to ethylene,” Mater Adv, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA01009K
  • M. Amazian, T. Andreu, M. Sarret. “Enhancing Selectivity of Au-Based Catalysts for CO2 Electroreduction in Chloride Electrolyte.” Proceedings of MATSUS Spring 2024 Conference (MATSUS24). https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.matsus.2024.133 

Related projects

  • REPLAY: Electrifying industry: ethylene production (CNS2022-135235) 
  • Towards a decarbonized chemical industry: enhancing the performance of Cu oxide nanocatalysts in carbon dioxide electrolyzers (2023 CLIMA 00011) 

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