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Electrosynthesis for Sustainable Processes
In the transition from a society almost solely relying on fossil-based energy, a strong trend is seen in the electrification of the industrial sector. RISE is now offering a holistic process development program for electrochemical conversions of bio-based feedstocks with our newly established testbed in Södertälje and Örnsköldsvik.
Electrochemistry and electrolysis can offer a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly way of producing materials and chemicals. It is also a valuable technique for water remediation and recycling process streams, shows higher process safety and not least, can be a solution for current problematic chemical transformations.
Direct electrochemical transformation of carbon dioxide to valuable C1-C3 intermediates is a highly active field of research and can potentially open up for use of CO2 as a carbon feedstock for the chemical industry. RISE intend to support this research and participate in this emerging field.
RISE offers the development of tailored electrochemical reactions utilizing batch or flow techniques. We can choose from various cell-types and a library of electrode materials to meet your needs. Establishing new or electrifying existing synthetic routes – we offer custom solutions from screening to scale-up and process development.
Materials and Methods:
- Constant current or constant potential electrolysis
- Library of electrode materials
- Carbon-based or metal electrodes, sacrificial anodes, gas-diffusion electrodes
- Batch-type cells; divided (H-type) or undivided set-up
- Flow cells; divided or undivided set-up
- Electrode areas: 0.001 m2 – 0.01 m2 with up to 2 A/cm2
- Potentially up to 0.2 m2 in a stacked set-up
- Membranes for organic or aqueous electrolytes
- Evaluation of supporting electrolytes
- Mechanistic studies – Cyclic voltammetry and Impedance spectroscopy
The simplest examples of electrochemical transformations are direct electron transfer reactions via anodic oxidation or cathodic reduction. In redox-mediated or electro-catalytic systems, a readily oxidized mediator is employed. This electro-generated electron-transfer shuttle subsequently reacts with the substrate and enables unique selectivity. Moreover, electrocatalytic strategies allow for specialized bond activation and functionalization, diminishing reagent waste as no oxidizing agents besides traceless electrons are required. To circumvent side reactions of sensitive substrates as well as shorten electrolysis durations, electrochemically synthesized mediators or oxidizing agents can be applied in ex-cell conversions. Recycling thereof by re-circulation to the electrochemical cell contributes to the atom economy and the sustainability of the targeted processes.
Electrification of synthetic processes creates long-term value for the chemical industry – covering areas from synthesis of bio-based fuels to pharmaceuticals. Prominent examples of electrochemically enabled organic transformations include decarboxylative dimerizations (Kolbe electrolysis), coupling reactions, oxidative or reductive cyclizations, C–H bond activation, oxidative or reductive functionalizations as well as halogenations or dehalogenations. In addition, electrochemistry finds application for valorization of renewable resources or industrial side streams. Focus areas include CO2 utilization (CCU), wastewater treatment, electrochemical depolymerization of lignin to value-added chemicals and transformation of sugars.
