2024 | Hakhyeon Song, Carlos A. Fernández, Anush Venkataraman, Victor D. Brandão, Sandeep S. Dhingra, Sukaran S. Arora, Saket S. Bhargava, Carlos M. Villa, Carsten Sievers, Sankar Nair, and Marta C. Hatzell
This study explores the production of ethylene (C₂H₄) from carbonate solutions using a bipolar membrane (BPM) electrolysis system. The research focuses on the use of Cu–Ag catalysts to enhance the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of CO₂ reduction to ethylene. The system involves a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with a BPM, which allows for the direct release of CO₂ stored in carbonate solutions through a pH swing process driven by water dissociation within the BPM. The study demonstrates that the BPM-MEA system can achieve a 10% FE for CO₂ to ethylene conversion, with a partial current density of 10 mA/cm². The system maintains approximately 0% CO₂ concentration in the outlet over 24 hours, indicating high efficiency in CO₂ utilization. Operating at elevated temperatures, such as 50°C, improves the FE and current densities for ethylene production. The study also evaluates the feasibility of the system for CO₂ generation and conversion, estimating potential energy and process efficiencies. The BPM-MEA system offers innovative solutions for carbon capture and conversion, but further research and optimization are needed to fully harness its potential for a sustainable future. The study highlights the importance of optimizing catalysts, operating conditions, and system design to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of CO₂ conversion processes. The results suggest that the BPM-MEA system is a promising approach for efficient CO₂ generation and conversion, effectively linking carbon capture technologies to the sustainable production of chemicals.This study explores the production of ethylene (C₂H₄) from carbonate solutions using a bipolar membrane (BPM) electrolysis system. The research focuses on the use of Cu–Ag catalysts to enhance the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of CO₂ reduction to ethylene. The system involves a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with a BPM, which allows for the direct release of CO₂ stored in carbonate solutions through a pH swing process driven by water dissociation within the BPM. The study demonstrates that the BPM-MEA system can achieve a 10% FE for CO₂ to ethylene conversion, with a partial current density of 10 mA/cm². The system maintains approximately 0% CO₂ concentration in the outlet over 24 hours, indicating high efficiency in CO₂ utilization. Operating at elevated temperatures, such as 50°C, improves the FE and current densities for ethylene production. The study also evaluates the feasibility of the system for CO₂ generation and conversion, estimating potential energy and process efficiencies. The BPM-MEA system offers innovative solutions for carbon capture and conversion, but further research and optimization are needed to fully harness its potential for a sustainable future. The study highlights the importance of optimizing catalysts, operating conditions, and system design to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of CO₂ conversion processes. The results suggest that the BPM-MEA system is a promising approach for efficient CO₂ generation and conversion, effectively linking carbon capture technologies to the sustainable production of chemicals.