The University of British Columbia

Purpose

CO2 electrolysis is a promising means by which to: 1) utilize atmospheric waste CO2; and 2) store intermittent renewable energy by using electricity to convert captured CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals. A key challenge associated with commercializing such technologies is that CO2 electrolyzers currently under development use a pure CO2 feedstock, which requires CO2 isolation from bicarbonate or carbonate capture solutions. This process is both energy-intensive and expensive, which impedes future commercialization. UBC’s approach to overcoming this challenge is to develop a bicarbonate electrolyzer that is capable of reducing aqueous bicarbonate solutions, thereby circumventing the need for pure CO2 feedstocks. Through the project described herein, the Berlinguette group (UBC), the NRC, and Carbon Engineering will collaborate to further materials development for bicarbonate electrolyzers, construct a model to predict champion material properties, build a test station with which to test electrolyzers at industrially-relevant conditions, and perform techno-economic and life-cycle assessments.