(544a) Optimization Framework for the Electroreduction of CO2 into Chemicals

The past few years have seen rapid advances in the experimental design of the electroreduction of carbon dioxide (ECO2R) for the synthesis of chemicals and fuels, leading to its foreseeable industrial implementation. A transition to carbon-free chemicals could have a considerable impact on the future of the chemical industry but requires holistic methods to assess the technological, economic, and environmental performance of ECO2R processes and optimize process network designs. In this work, we propose a methodology to assess the large-scale implementation of ECO2R based on the analysis of market data, traditional process synthesis, techno-economic assessment, and supply chain optimization.

We build upon previous studies that have dealt with the modeling and assessment of ECO2R processes (Jouny et al., 2018; Orella et al., 2019; Roh et al., 2020), hybrid fossil- and CO₂-based routes (Ioannou et al., 2020) and supply chain optimization of carbon utilization processes (Leonzio et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2020). Our method consists of a multi-level approach to network synthesis with detailed models of each one of the technologies involved. The network is modeled as a superstructure that includes different options of carbon capture, electrolysis, and separation.

To illustrate the capabilities of the method, we define a case study on the substitution of fossil-based ethylene, ethanol, and formic acid by their CO₂-sourced alternatives. Different scenarios based on technology adoption and efficiency, electricity prices, and CO₂ source are considered to target the break-even conditions necessary to adopt the technology. The results obtained show that the model is a useful tool to identify the most promising routes to convert CO₂ into valuable chemicals. The methodology is valuable for the multiple actors involved in the waste revaluation sector, from private companies to policymakers.

References

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