(Invited) Perspectives of Advanced Electrolysis for Green Chemicals Manufacturing

An electrolyzer can utilize “off peak” electricity from solar or wind farms to produce hydrogen or other fuels. These chemicals can subsequently be operated in a fuel cell mode to generate electricity or used for other industrial applications. The power to green chemicals alone is poised to become a multi-billion-dollar market for on-site water electrolysis systems over the next decade. Some examples include green H2, NH3 or hydrocarbon fuels (e.g., methanol, ethanol, and ethylene) However, current green chemical production from electrolysis has not achieved viable commercialization due to expensive materials and low efficiency even if “free” electricity from renewable energy can be secured. Giner has been a world leader in researching, developing and manufacturing electrolyzers for green chemical synthesis. We have been committed to addressing the challenges of materials (catalyst, membrane, and bipolar plates) and processing conditions to improve electrolyzer efficiency, extend lifetime, and lower capital cost. These efforts include: 1) developing low-cost durable ion exchange membranes; 2) lowering platinum-group metal (PGM) catalyst loading; 2) discovering non-precious metal catalysts; 4) increasing corrosion resistance of separators and other hardware; 5) optimizing operating conditions. These efforts have therefore enhanced the conversion rate and process efficiency. For example, the electrochemical production of ammonia from nitrogen and water using rationally designed catalysts can lead to tremendous energy savings compared to conventional Haber-Bosch process. The electrochemical conversion of CO2 and water to ethylene can be significantly boosted by novel membrane design and optimizing optimal operating conditions. Due to high efficiency and lowered cost, the electrolysis technologies for green chemical production may become strongly competitive and complementary to conventional chemical manufactuaring industry.