Sviluppo di un sistema elettrochimico di co-elettrolisi di CO2 ed H2O ad elettrolita polimerico operante a bassa temperatura per la riduzione di CO2 (CO2CHEM) - R.E. 45/16

The CO2Chem project deals with a cost-effective and one-step conversion of CO2 and water to high energy density fuels, such as methanol. The project regards the development of a co-electrolysis reactor using the surplus of energy associated to the intermittent behaviour of renewable power sources. The aim is to achieve a one-step conversion of CO2 and water in methanol in a device capable to operate under dynamic conditions. In the first 3 months of the project, the reactor was consisting of solid protonic electrolyte and catalysts for tuning the co-electrolysis of CO2 and water. The process was investigated at low temperature (30-95°C) to evaluate the possibility of direct coupling with renewable power sources. The objective was to achieve a voltage efficiency better than 80% and good characteristics for coupling with renewable power sources. The aim was to developing, prototyping and demonstrating this novel technology in an electrochemical reactor of 5 cm2 as proof of concept.