Electrochemistry: the driving force behind the energy transition
The global energy transition aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and move towards sustainable, renewable energy sources.
Electrochemistry, a field related to chemical reactions driven by electrical energy, is pivotal in enabling this transformation.
Key applications such as green hydrogen production, electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂), salt splitting, and fuel cell technology highlight how this field of science revolutionizes clean energy technologies.
Green hydrogen is one of the most promising pathways for sustainable chemical production and industrial use. It is produced through water electrolysis, which uses renewable electricity, typically from solar or wind sources, to split water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂).
Electrolysis occurs in an electrolyzer, where water undergoes an electrochemical reaction at two electrodes: at the anode, water is oxidized to oxygen gas and protons; at the cathode, the hydroxyl ions are reduced to form hydrogen gas.
The key advantage of this process is that it produces hydrogen without emitting CO₂, unlike conventional methods such as steam methane reforming. Hydrogen generated in this way can be used in various applications, including fuel cells, decarbonization of the hard-to-abate sectors, and even as a direct fuel in heavy-duty transport.
Abating CO₂ emissions is crucial to mitigating climate change. Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide converts CO₂ into valuable fuels and chemicals, such as carbon monoxide (CO), formic acid (HCOOH), methanol (CH₃OH), and hydrocarbons.
The process uses renewable electricity to drive CO₂ reduction at the cathode of an electrochemical cell, while water oxidation occurs at the anode.
Catalysts are key to improving the efficiency of CO₂ reduction. Copper-based ones, for instance, facilitate the conversion of CO₂ into hydrocarbons and alcohols.
This approach enables the use of CO₂ captured from industrial sources or the atmosphere, effectively creating a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative cycle when combined with direct air capture technology.
Salt splitting is an electrochemical process used to produce valuable chemicals from saline solutions. Specifically, it provides for the production of acids and bases from their corresponding. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) can be split into hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), both of which are essential for various industrial processes.
This method is more environmentally friendly than traditional chemical routes, often involving energy-intensive processes or hazardous reagents. Using renewable electricity, salt splitting can contribute to a more sustainable chemical industry, reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-derived chemicals.
Fuel cells are another cornerstone of the energy transition. They convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity via electrochemical reactions, with high efficiency and minimal emissions, producing only water and heat as byproducts.
Several types of fuel cells exist, with alkaline fuel cells being among the most used for applications such as electric vehicles and portable power. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), on the other hand, operate at higher temperatures and are suitable for stationary power generation. Fuel cells offer a scalable and clean alternative, supporting a hydrogen-based economy.
De Nora, a global leader in electrochemical technologies, has been instrumental in advancing key processes that drive the energy transition. The company specializes in high-performance electrodes and electrolyzers used for green hydrogen production, CO₂ reduction, and salt splitting. Their innovative electrode coatings enhance the efficiency and durability of electrochemical systems, making large-scale deployment more feasible and sustainable.
Electrochemistry is a key driver of the energy transition, enabling clean solutions for hydrogen production, CO₂ reduction, salt splitting, and fuel cell technology.
With increasing investment and policy support, electrochemical processes will help build a sustainable future), significantly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
In this landscape, De Nora provides essential technologies to support the energy transition, alignedwith the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.