Research Line 4: Hydrocarbon production by integrated capture and conversion of CO₂

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Direct electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to products holds a clear advantage over indirect routes, where CO₂ reacts with green hydrogen to form products using conventional thermal chemistry. RL4 addresses key challenges in the electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to two energy-dense chemicals: ethylene and ethanol. The approach is twofold:

1. 2030 scenario: direct electrochemical conversion of CO₂ from flue gasses into ethylene and ethanol
2. 2050 scenario: integration of CO₂ capture and conversion to ethylene and ethanol in a single system.

Ethylene and ethanol are specifically chosen as target molecules as these products can i) act as high energy density fuels for energy storage, and ii) are important feedstock materials for the chemical industry. 

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