Efficient Capture of Carbon Dioxide from Thin Air for Synthesis of Fuels and Chemicals (invited Undergraduate Talk)

The ability to synthesize sustainable fuels and chemicals will largely rely on the access to biogenic sources of carbon, that could be used in the chemical manufacturing processes instead of petroleum-derived feedstocks. Using renewable energy to electrochemically separate carbon dioxide (CO2) is a promising approach for source biogenic carbon on a large scale. One of the main challenges limiting the performance of the existing electrochemical CO2 capture systems is related to the slow mass transfer in flow reactors. In this project, we propose a novel design of electrochemical reactors that allows to significantly limit the distance between the electrodes and facilitates mass transfer, leading potentially to reduced energy consumption and extended system lifespan. This undergraduate research project focuses on modelling and experimental investigation of intensified electrochemical systems. This advancement not only ensures efficient CO2 capture, translating to reduced costs and environmental impact, but also bolsters efforts against climate change.