About this Research Topic
The need to lessen global carbon dioxide levels is at the forefront of environmental science, with the need for innovative new technological solutions a clear priority at all levels of research, industry and policy development. One key area that has received considerable interest in recent years is the electrochemical conversion of CO2 into value-added products, with key strategic benefits in the field of chemical synthesis, energy storage and environmental remediation. Electrochemical CO2 conversion is relatively unique in that there are a number of possible target products, each of which has clear practical and marketable uses either as a commodity chemical or as energy storage. As the field has continued to advance, many new technologies have demonstrated the production of these chemicals with impressive selectivity, energy efficiency and turnover rates.
Many in the field are now excited at the prospect of advancing this area towards deployment and commercialization, so that electrochemical CO2 sequestration can become a key tool in the global mission to lessen the release of anthropogenic carbon. In order to achieve this challenging goal, it is essential that next generation research focuses on high performing materials and technologies that are ready to be upscaled out of the lab as well as for wider implementation. This will be achieved by demonstrating the selective conversion of CO2 to a desired value-added product with high selectivity and energy efficiency, and using materials and reactor designs that are cost effective and stable to prolonged usage. It is essential that we highlight the key considerations and new technological developments that are needed to operate on a larger scale, considering the needs of broader operations either in the format of a large production plant or in decentralised operations for onsite conversion and usage.
This Research Topic will highlight the latest developments that are striving to advance the field of electrochemical CO2 conversion, and provide the necessary developments to take the field out of the lab and ready to make a broad and global impact. We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews and perspectives focusing on the following topics:
• New electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction to value-added products
• Reactor designs for CO2 sequestration
• Computational, life cycle and technoeconomic analyses providing valuable insights into how the field of electrochemical CO2 conversion can be rapidly advanced.
• Electrochemical CO2 sensors
Topic Editor Stephen McCord handles techno-economic and life cycle assessments for a number of US companies through the Global CO2 Initiative and is currently working on a research project funded by Amraco. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Many in the field are now excited at the prospect of advancing this area towards deployment and commercialization, so that electrochemical CO2 sequestration can become a key tool in the global mission to lessen the release of anthropogenic carbon. In order to achieve this challenging goal, it is essential that next generation research focuses on high performing materials and technologies that are ready to be upscaled out of the lab as well as for wider implementation. This will be achieved by demonstrating the selective conversion of CO2 to a desired value-added product with high selectivity and energy efficiency, and using materials and reactor designs that are cost effective and stable to prolonged usage. It is essential that we highlight the key considerations and new technological developments that are needed to operate on a larger scale, considering the needs of broader operations either in the format of a large production plant or in decentralised operations for onsite conversion and usage.
This Research Topic will highlight the latest developments that are striving to advance the field of electrochemical CO2 conversion, and provide the necessary developments to take the field out of the lab and ready to make a broad and global impact. We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews and perspectives focusing on the following topics:
• New electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction to value-added products
• Reactor designs for CO2 sequestration
• Computational, life cycle and technoeconomic analyses providing valuable insights into how the field of electrochemical CO2 conversion can be rapidly advanced.
• Electrochemical CO2 sensors
Topic Editor Stephen McCord handles techno-economic and life cycle assessments for a number of US companies through the Global CO2 Initiative and is currently working on a research project funded by Amraco. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Keywords: Carbon dioxide; sequestration; catalysis, energy, storage, biofuels, CO2, value-added products
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