We are excited to announce an opening in our pioneering ECO2Fuel project. The primary aim of this position is to explore scientific inquiries in the realm of electrochemical carbon dioxide utilization. This specifically involves understanding the impacts of catalyst composition and morphology, reaction temperatures, reaction mediums, and the resulting carbon products. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of principles and gain a deeper insight into the chemistry of electrochemical CO2 utilization.
Additionally, the role encompasses the advancement of measurement and reaction techniques for both a 50 kW and a 1 MW carbon dioxide electrolyzer. Setting technical focuses in this area will also be an integral responsibility of the position holder. Join us in our endeavor to make strides in the field of sustainable energy and carbon utilization.
Figure 1: Shows the pictures of DTU’s test rig for CO2 crossover measurement, Source: DTU
A Deep Dive into Energy Conversion and Storage
Energy conversion and storage are pivotal to a sustainable society that harnesses renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. At the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), we are at the forefront of developing electrolysis, fuel cells, batteries, thermal energy storage, and other power-to-X technologies. Our group’s primary focus is on low-temperature electrochemical systems, including polymer electrolyte fuel cells, alkaline electrolysers, flow batteries, and carbon capture and CO2 reduction. Our research encompasses the development and characterization of functional materials and components, as well as single cells, stacks, and systems.
The Role of Anion-Exchange Membranes in CO2 Reduction
Anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) are the heart of CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) electrolysers, serving as charge carrier conductors and electrode separators. Their performance and durability significantly impact cell performance. As part of the ECO2Fuel project, DTU is investigating various electrolyte materials provided by our ECO2Fuel partner, Hydrolite. The investigation focuses on evaluating their mechanical stability, ion conductivity, and gas crossover, particularly CO2, by diffusion and migration. The lab setups for these evaluations are briefly described below.
Evaluating Mechanical Stability
The AEMs’ satisfactory mechanical properties are crucial for handling membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and ensuring cell durability. Therefore, we conducted mechanical stability tests to examine the membranes’ stress-strain.
The setup for the tensile strength measurements was modified (Instron 3344) to include an additional chamber constructed around the membrane sample, equipped with heating elements for temperature control and an inlet and outlet for humidified air to achieve varying atmospheric humidity levels. A humidity sensor was installed next to the membrane sample to monitor temperature and humidity during tensile strength measurements.
Figure: Shows the photograph of instrument and mechanical properties of Hydrolite membrane, Source: DTU
Assessing Ion Conductivity
The ion conductivity of the membrane, especially under ambient conditions, is a key factor influencing an electrochemical cell’s performance. We measured the anion (OH-, HCO3-, CO3-2) conductivities of the membranes using a four-probe electrochemical alternating current impedance spectroscopy method with a Scribner B-112 over a frequency range of 100 mHz to 1 MHz. A rectangular membrane was sandwiched between platinum electrodes, and conductivity was measured from 20 °C to 80 °C at 30-minute intervals under hydrous conditions.
The CO2 electrolysis process faces a significant challenge related to the carbonation of the electrolyte, a consequence of performing CO2RR in alkaline conditions to suppress the H2 evolution reaction. The parasitic reactions of CO2 with the alkaline electrolytes result in bicarbonate precipitation and flooding in gas diffusion electrodes, CO2 crossover to the anode, low carbon utilization efficiencies, and additional costs for CO2 and electrolyte recycling. These issues seriously hinder the scale-up and commercialization of CO2 electrolysers.
To address these challenges, as part of the ECO2Fuel project, DTU aims to investigate the carbon crossover mechanisms and factors influencing CO2 crossover in electrolysers in terms of the concentration of the electrolytes (anolyte and/or catholyte), the CO2 supply rate, and cell configuration.
Device Setup and Crossover Measurement
The DTU’s test rig for CO2 crossover flow cell and the hardware for providing the gas mixture and analysing the exhaust are shown in Figure 1. The outlet gas composition on the anode side was controlled by mass flow controllers (MFCs).
The total CO2 gas flow rate was measured using a CO2 sensor. Prior to membrane electrode assembly (MEA), membranes were washed with deionized water to remove excess electrolyte. Membrane and gas diffusion electrode (GDEs) were pressed into a cell with gaskets and graphite flow fields. The cell was connected to a modified alkaline electrolyser stand with temperature and pressure control. MFCs were used to supply humidified N2 and CO2 on the cathode side and argon (Ar) on the anode side. A potentiostat was used to apply current and take impedance measurements for determining the cell resistance. Outlet gases on both sides were analysed for CO2 concentration using a CO2 sensor. The sensors were calibrated to ranges of 0-1000 and 0-10000 ppm of CO2.
Figure 1: Shows the pictures of DTU’s test rig for CO2 crossover measurement, Source: DTU
The energy sector, responsible for over 75% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, is at the heart of the climate change issue.
The path to achieving the objectives of the Green Deal lies in decarbonizing our current energy production and enhancing energy efficiency. This journey necessitates fresh strategies and ground-breaking technologies.
The Clean Energy Working Group, a consortium of 16 projects from five distinct Green Deal Calls, is at the forefront of this transformation. The group’s primary focus is on decarbonizing energy through the inception and implementation of innovative technologies. These include renewable energy solutions and their seamless integration into the existing energy infrastructure.
Being a part of this influential group, we are addressing key challenges such as:
• Scaling up hydrogen production
• Transforming CO2 emissions from industrial operations into synthetic fuels
• Advancing land-based renewable energy technologies and offshore renewable energy innovations.
Learn more about the Clean Energy Working Group’s projects and their contributions:
The New Unitary Patent System: Will it Support or Undermine Open Innovation?
A new discovery for the EU funded research projects
ECO2fuel is on the edge of innovation processes and its results are promising since the very beginning of the research activities. Accordingly, the partnership has started discussing about the future use of the Key Exploitable Results which is deeply connected with a clear understanding of the IP-related rights and framework. Now, extraordinary novelties are appearing on the horizon of this crucial steps to take towards use and impact and therefore, we would like to provide some useful insight deriving from our work carried out in the framework of ECO2fuel exploitation strategy.
The Unitary Patent System
EU proposal to streamline the rules for standard essential patents, compulsory licensing, protection certificates, and SME Fund services
The European Commission has proposed new rules with the aim of creating a more effective patent system to reduce market fragmentation of the single market, bureaucracy, and improve efficiency. These rules are designed to support companies, especially SMEs, in leveraging their inventions, adopting new technologies, and contributing to the competitiveness and technological sovereignty of the European Union.
The proposed rules will complement the existing Unitary Patent System (which entered in force on the 1st June 2023, becoming the single most important development of the European patent system in the last fifty years. The new system introduced a European patent with unitary effect across the territories of the EU member states participating in the system and the Unified Patent Court (UPC), a new legal institution which will decide on Unitary Patents in these Member States) and they will focus on areas such as standard essential patents, compulsory licensing of patents during crisis situations, and the revision of legislation regarding supplementary protection certificates.
By implementing new regulations, Brussels aims to create a more transparent, effective and future-proof intellectual property rights (IPR) framework in an economic environment where intangible assets such as brands, designs, patents and data are gaining ever greater importance in the knowledge economy.
Main objectives of the proposed regulation
According to the proposal[1], the overall objectives of this initiative are to:
Ensure that end users, including small businesses and EU consumers benefit from products based on the latest standardised technologies;
Make the EU attractive for standards innovation;
Encourage both Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) holders and implementers to innovate in the EU, make and sell products in the EU and be competitive in non-EU markets. The initiative aims to incentivise participation by European firms in the standard development process and the broad implementation of such standardised technologies.
This is the most recent action in a series of efforts concerning the SEPs and how the SEPs framework could be improved to encourage innovation while also promoting competition and satisfy consumers’ interests. In its 2020 Intellectual Property Action Plan on IP, for example, the Commission stressed the need to set the right conditions for a transparent, predictable and efficient SEPs system; more recent, in February 2022, it invited parties to express their views and experiences in order to improve such system, in particular the transparency and predictability of the licensing framework.
Nevertheless, there are also concerns about the proposed regulation from some actors such as IP Europe and the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO), stating that the proposed regulation, if adopted, would be detrimental to the functioning of the European innovation ecosystem and ultimately to the European consumers of technologically advanced products making the technology transfer more difficult, increasing costs for IP owners to participate in technical standardisation processes and SEP licensing, which would discourage RD&I actors such as universities and research and technology organisations (RTOs) from participating in the process.
To dissolve these concerns, can be useful the point of view shared by EPO President, António Campinos: “This is an exciting moment for Europe as we strongly press ahead with the creation of a unified market for innovation and technology. The Unitary Patent system will not only simplify and strengthen the legal protection of inventions and their enforcement, but it will also foster the attractiveness of the European market for inventors and investors alike. As the system ramps up, we expect to see a 2% increase in annual trade flows and a 15% boost in foreign direct investment in high-tech sectors in members states because of this change. The Unitary Patent system will be a game changer, sending strong signals to the world that Europe remains a top spot for innovation and economic growth”.
We have no information to understand if the achievements in the last months will be the real game changer for the European R&D sector. The goal is to ease the process for translating the research results in use, enabling strong impact in the EU. ECO2fuel is completely involved in successfully confronting this challenge, working in this new framework.
* EPO is the European Patent Office
Source: EPO.com; WIPO Statistics Database, February 2023
De Nora's Role in Energy Transition and CO2 Electrochemical Reduction: Keynote Lecture at ICCDU 2023
The 20th International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Utilization (ICCDU-XX) is set to be a significant event for the discussion and advancement of sustainable technologies. Among the distinguished speakers, De Nora, an Italian multinational company listed on the Euronext Milan Stock Exchange, will take the stage to deliver a keynote lecture on their role in the energy transition and CO2 electrochemical reduction. This article provides an overview of De Nora’s involvement in the field, highlighting the projects SELECTCO2 and ECO2Fuel, as well as introducing the presenter, Daniela Galliani.
De Nora is a renowned leader in electrochemistry and specializes in providing sustainable technologies. With a century of experience in the industry, the company has become the world’s largest supplier of high-performing catalytic coatings and insoluble electrodes for various electrochemical and industrial applications. Additionally, De Nora is a leading provider of equipment, systems, disinfection, and filtration solutions for water and wastewater treatment, emphasizing their commitment to promoting environmental stewardship.
In line with the global shift towards a greener economy, De Nora has embraced the challenge of the energy transition by focusing on two main approaches: hydrogen production via electrolysis and CO2 electrochemical reduction. Through their innovative technical solutions, De Nora aims to contribute to the production of hydrogen, which holds significant potential as a future energy carrier and an essential component of the green economy.
For hydrogen production, De Nora offers industrial-level solutions such as DSA® Electrodes for Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE), Electrolysis Cells, and Gas Diffusion Electrodes (GDE) for fuel cells. By participating in large-scale projects, De Nora plays a crucial role in implementing hydrogen as a reactant for future energy carriers and fuels.
Furthermore, De Nora is actively involved in the study and development of CO2 electrochemical reduction through collaborations in financed projects. The company’s research and development teams across three different sites, namely the United States, Italy, and Germany, are currently working on this exciting technology. Their ambitious goal is to achieve efficient direct electrochemical conversion of CO2 into valuable chemicals or fuels, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the utilization of carbon dioxide as a resource.
During the ICCDU 2023 keynote lecture, De Nora will shed light on their efforts and achievements in the field of CO2 electrochemical reduction. They will discuss two significant projects, SELECTCO2 and ECO2Fuel, which showcase their commitment to technological innovation and sustainability.
The SELECTCO2 project focuses on exploring and developing efficient methods for the direct electrochemical conversion of CO2 into valuable chemicals or fuels. By leveraging their expertise in electrochemistry and electrodes, De Nora aims to drive advancements in this area, ultimately enabling a more sustainable and circular carbon economy.
The ECO2Fuel project, on the other hand, aims to tackle the challenge of CO2 utilization by converting it into a carbon-neutral fuel. De Nora’s contributions to this project will be highlighted during the keynote lecture, emphasizing their dedication to finding practical solutions to the global climate crisis.
The keynote lecture will be delivered by Daniela Galliani, who currently serves as the Program Leader within De Nora’s Energy Transition and Hydrogen (ETH) Department. With a background in chemistry and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, specializing in organic electronics with thermoelectric applications, Galliani brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.
In her previous position as a researcher in De Nora’s R&D team, Galliani focused primarily on the electrochemical reduction of CO2. Now, as the Program Leader, she manages activities related to diaphragms for Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) and coordinates the company’s research and development activities in the Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEM WE) field.
ARIEMA’s hydrogen production equipment at industrial size, while being developed for previous projects.
The ECO2Fuel project aims to bring direct fuel production from CO2 and water to the next level. All the main transformations occur inside electrochemical cells, but these cells are much more convenient and cost-effective if arranged side by side in a stack of cells. Leveraging their expertise in comparable processes, ARIEMA is primarily responsible for the implementation of a 50-kW “concept stack” and its subsequent scaling-up to a 1 MW solution, accelerating the way to industrial environments.
ARIEMA’s hydrogen production equipment at industrial size, while being developed for previous projects. Source: ARIEMA
Drawing from their extensive knowledge and experience in the field, ARIEMA has collaborated closely with VITO to design the first stack, mainly supporting the proposals with improvements related to manufacturing costs and availability, easy manufacturing, or procedures for a more versatile assembly and disassembly.
Once the design of the 50-kW stack is finished and tested, ARIEMA’s focus will shift to scaling-up the technology to a near 1 MW solution with Hygear, responsible for the final design of all other necessary components to feed and control the process in the stack.
By harnessing the power of innovative technologies and partnerships, ECO2Fuel paves the way for a sustainable and green future. ARIEMA’s expertise in engineering and manufacturing plays a vital role in this ambitious undertaking, as it is pivotal to the success of the ECO2Fuel project.
ARIEMA is an esteemed Spanish company headquartered in Madrid and is proud to be a key industrial partner in the ECO2Fuel project. Founded more than 20 years ago, ARIEMA offers specialized consultancy services, training in hydrogen technologies, and the manufacture of water electrolysers for clean hydrogen production. Currently, ARIEMA has several R&D projects underway to improve specifications and increase the capacity of its containerized electrolysers to the megawatt scale.
Chemical stability of Hydrolite membrane in 1 M KOH at 80 °C. Source: Hydrolite.
Headquartered in Caesarea, Israel, HYDROLITE is one of the industrial partners directly involved in the ECO2Fuel project. As the global demand for hydrogen solutions starts to grow exponentially – in recognition of the critical role of hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel in a zero-carbon economy – HYDROLITE’s superior Anion exchange membrane (AEM) technology offers a compelling solution that combines the cost advantages of liquid Alkaline Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers, with the high performance of solid-state Proton Exchange Membrane devices.
Over the past decade HYDROLITE has developed extensive, proprietary AEM materials technology, pilot-scale production, and device operation capabilities, and holds an extensive IP portfolio of 70 patent cases with more in the pipeline.
Hydrolite’s 8kWp AEM Fuel Cell Back-up Power system; Source: HydroliteHydrolite’s 8kWp AEM Fuel Cell Back-up Power system; Source: Hydrolite
In the ECO2Fuel project, Hydrolite contributes to the following areas:
Investigating membrane and ionomer requirements in a CO2 Electrolyzer environment
Providing optimized membranes and ionomers to fit requirements
Scaling up membrane production and size
The membrane is at the heart of electrolyser. Bearing multiple roles for the reliable and durable operation of the device, the membrane must excel in the following:
High ionic conductivity
Gas tight to H2, O2, CO2 and other gaseous products (crossover)
Mechanical properties
Low swelling
Chemical stability under harsh conditions (temperature, pH, oxidation)
Principle of operation of an AEM Water Electrolyzer; Source: Hydrolite
As compared to H2 Electrolyzer, the CO2 Electrolyzer developed in the ECO2Fuel project poses new challenges due to the harsher conditions, in particular the need for the membrane to sustain the presence of carbonates (showing lower conductivity than hydroxide anions) as well as hydrocarbons and alcohols, some of which are often used to dissolve the membrane during production.
Roll of AEM made at Hydrolite; Source: Hydrolite
Hydrolite uses various strategies to handle those difficulties, such as using materials with known tolerance to alcohols and hydrocarbons as well as, crosslinking to reduce swelling and avoid slow dissolution. This in turn causes challenges in terms of adaptation of the fabrication process and scaleup. Hydrolite successfully implemented manufacturing process to produce membranes of large size showing high barrier properties without compromising on ion conductivity and chemical stability. This was achieved by fine tuning the molecular structure, amount of cationic groups, crosslinking degree and addition of non-conducting polymers to obtain all the desired characteristics. Hydrolite provides ECO2Fuel with ionomers and membranes tailored for the target application.
Chemical stability of Hydrolite membrane in 1 M KOH at 80 °C. Source: Hydrolite.
Using only hydrocarbon-based ionomers and membranes, Hydrolite avoids the use of environmentally dangerous perfluorinated polymers as used in other electrolyzers, in line with long term objectives of ECO2Fuel for a sustainable future.
Looking toward the future, Hydrolite plans to further develop and establish the manufacturing process and facilities to supply membranes in large scales and footprints, exhibiting satisfactory uniformity and mechanical robustness with high ionic conductivity.
Can investing in CCU technologies unlock a sustainable and greener future?
In a world increasingly consumed by the urgency of climate change, the quest for solutions is paramount. One of the leading culprits in this global crisis is the relentless emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) into our atmosphere. Enter “Carbon Capture and Utilization” (CCU), an innovative approach that aims to transform CO2 from an environmental foe into a valuable asset.
Picture this: CCU technologies like ECO2Fuel work to convert CO2 captured from industrial processes or directly from the air, using only three simple ingredients—CO2, water, and green electricity. The result? E-fuels or green value-added chemicals that help to reduce the overall CO2 burden on our atmosphere.
But, like many cutting-edge solutions, CCU technologies face a formidable obstacle: cost. At present, it’s more expensive to produce chemicals from CO2 than from traditional fossil fuels. Time may be a great healer, but it’s a luxury we cannot afford in the race against climate change. So, the call to action is clear: more investments must be funnelled into advancing CCU technologies, driving down costs and ramping up efficiencies.
Apart from the glaring reality that climate change poses a serious threat to our existence, there are additional reasons why investing in CCU is crucial:
Economic growth and job creation: Developing and implementing CCU technologies can lead to the creation of new industries, spurring economic growth and generating employment opportunities.
Energy security: By converting CO2 into valuable resources like e-fuels, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable and secure energy future.
Waste reduction: Utilizing CO2 as a raw material for the production of valuable chemicals and materials can minimize waste and promote a circular economy.
Enhanced global cooperation: Investments in CCU technologies can foster international collaboration in research, development, and implementation, helping to unite countries in the fight against climate change.
Technological innovation: Funding CCU research and development can lead to breakthroughs in other related fields, such as renewable energy, energy storage, and advanced materials.
Environmental benefits: Apart from mitigating CO2 emissions, CCU technologies can have positive knock-on effects on air quality and ecosystems, contributing to a healthier planet overall.
Together, we can turn the tide against climate change by supporting and investing in CCU technologies, which not only help to mitigate the impacts of our carbon footprint but also pave the way for a sustainable and greener future.
At ECO2Fuel, in collaboration with the European Union and numerous industry partners, we’re not just talking the talk—we’re walking the walk. Together, we’re taking charge and forging ahead to develop the world’s most efficient and economically viable direct CO2 electrolyser, operating at an unparalleled scale of 1MW.
Join us on this groundbreaking journey and become a part of the thriving ECO2Fuel community.
Last week, the project’s alliance came together in the charming cities of Antwerp and Mol, Belgium, for a captivating third general assembly meeting. The event focused on evaluating the incredible strides made over the past half-year and strategizing the upcoming steps.
ECO2Fuel 3rd Grand Assembly Meeting
The two-day gathering featured a delightful consortium dinner on the first day, an engaging lab tour at VITO in Mol, and an insightful Dissemination and Exploitation workshop held by META on the second day.
This meeting showcased the remarkable progress achieved in recent months as the team works diligently towards realizing the ECO2Fuel project’s objectives and constructing the world’s first groundbreaking 1MW direct CO2 electrolyser.
Studying CO2 conversion into e-fuels, especially inside a system resembling real-world applications, includes many steps.
CNR-ITAE, a research institute in Messina, Italy, and consortium partner of the ECO2Fuel project, show us these steps, emphasizing the labour-intensive research needed to develop green technologies such as the ECO2Fuel CO2 electrolyser.
Minute 0-0:08: The first step is to prepare the catalyst-coated electrodes – For that, the catalyst for the reactions that convert CO2 into e-fuels is coated on electrodes are prepared by spraying the catalyst from a liquid dispersion onto the electrode surface.
The second step (not shown on the clip but essential for the process) is the preparation of the so-called membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) consisting of an anion-exchange membrane sandwiched between the two catalyst-coated electrodes, one for the anode side and one for the cathode side.
Minute 0:09-0:27: The MEA is then placed into the electrochemical cell with a zero-gap design, meaning that the water and the CO2 are being pumped through the cell with a very close contact to the MEA with the advantage of a very small ohmic resistance, hence zero-gap.
The zero-gap cell is then connected to the water and CO2 supply and to the electrical power that will derive the electrochemical reactions inside the cell.
Minute 0:28-1:06: The liquid products, such as ethanol and propanol, are collected in a cold trap and analysed by a headspace gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer at the end of the reaction. In contrast, gaseous products such as methane, ethylene, and carbon monoxide are analysed continuously (not on the clip) by an online gas chromatograph.
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