Power-to-Syngas: An Enabling Technology for the Transition of the Energy System?

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

5 years ago

Power-to-Syngas: An Enabling Technology for the Transition of the Energy System?

Severin R. Foit, Lambertus G. J. de Haart, Izaak C. Vinke, Rüdiger-A. Eichel

Power-to-X concepts promise a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously guaranteeing a safe energy supply even at high share of renewable power generation, thus becoming a cornerstone of a sustainable energy system. Power-to-syngas, that is, the electrochemical conversion of steam and carbon dioxide with the use of renewably generated electricity to syngas for the production of synfuels and high-value chemicals, offers an efficient technology to couple different energy-intense sectors, such as “traffic and transportation” and “chemical industry”. Syngas produced by co-electrolysis can thus be regarded as a key-enabling step for a transition of the energy system, which offers additionally features of CO2-valorization and closed carbon cycles. Here, we discuss advantages and current limitations of low- and high-temperature co-electrolysis. Advances in both fundamental understanding of the basic reaction schemes and stable high-performance materials are essential to further promote co-electrolysis. Effective use of the energy surplus: The electrochemical conversion of steam and carbon dioxide by co-electrolysis to syngas for the production of synfuels and high-value chemicals can be regarded as a key enabling step for a transition of the energy system, offering promising routes for CO2 valorization and closed carbon cycles. Syngas is perfectly suited for the production of synfuels and high-value chemicals.

Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi

DOI: 10.1002/anie.201607552