Electrochemical driven carbon capture
Developing a sustainable proton-coupled electron transfer based technology for efficient CO2 capture
Over the past 12 months, the Earth’s average surface temperature has been 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial levels, surpassing the temperature limit set by the 2015 Paris Agreement for the first time. To mitigate climate change and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, electrochemically driven CO₂ capture has emerged as a viable alternative that aligns well with electrification strategies as we transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Electrochemical methods have demonstrated similar energy requirements to those of conventional temperature swing methods. Electrochemical-mediated CO₂ capture technology aims to regenerate the absorption capacity of CO₂ capture solvents by modulating their redox state or pH. The development electrochemical based solvent regeneration technology will greatly benefit from Wetsus extensive experience in water technology and electrochemistry.
Research challenges
Current strategies for electrochemical carbon capture technologies often rely on bipolar membranes (BPMs) to regenerate carbon capture solvents via a pH swing process. BPMs can dissociate water into protons and hydroxyl ions. However, the widespread use of BPMs is limited by their high energy requirements, moderate current densities, and poor chemical and thermal stability. Additionally, supply chain constraints exist for the raw materials needed to produce BPMs.
Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET)-based technology is a promising alternative for carbon capture. PCET employing H₂/H₂O or organic redox couples avoids the use of BPMs and allows the use of chemically stable, efficient materials in designing the electrochemical system to modulate the solvent pH. However, designing an efficient and effective electrochemical system and its core components around a tailored PCET-based carbon capture process remains challenging.
Your assignment
You will develop an electrochemical system based on a PCET process for carbon capture. First, you will investigate the suitability of different PCET processes for carbon capture. After identifying the most suitable process, you will focus on developing, analyzing, and optimizing the electrochemical system design, paying particular attention to electrode materials, the separator required for the absorption and desorption processes, and strategies for scaling up. To this end, you will employ a wide range of methods and tools, including electrochemical and physical characterization methods, to assess the suitability of materials and processes. Additionally, you will develop and employ process modelling to aid technology development and improve understanding of the process itself.
Your profile
You are an ambitious and talented early-stage researcher with a keen interest in and understanding of carbon capture and electrochemistry. You have a background (MSc or equivalent) in environmental technology/science and electrochemistry or similar. Are you eager to work with a like-minded persons on a society-defining challenge?
Keywords: Carbon capture; Electrochemistry; Proton-Coupled Electron transfer; Climate change mitigation;
Professor/University group/Wetsus supervisor(s): University promotor and co-promotor: Prof. dr. ir. B.V.M. Hamelers, Environmental Technology, Wageningen University; Prof. dr. ir. A. ter Heijne, Environmental Technology, Wageningen University; Wetsus supervisor(s): dr. P. Kuntke
Project partners: https://www.wetsus.nl/research-themes/sustainable-carbon-cycle/
Only applications that are complete, in English, and submitted via the application webpage before the deadline will be considered eligible.
Guidelines for applicants: https://phdpositionswetsus.eu/guide-for-applicants/
