Power-to-Syngas: An Enabling Technology for the Transition of the Energy System?

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2017 May 8;56(20):5402-5411. doi: 10.1002/anie.201607552. Epub 2017 Apr 21.

Abstract

Power-to-X concepts promise a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously guaranteeing a safe energy supply even at high share of renewable power generation, thus becoming a cornerstone of a sustainable energy system. Power-to-syngas, that is, the electrochemical conversion of steam and carbon dioxide with the use of renewably generated electricity to syngas for the production of synfuels and high-value chemicals, offers an efficient technology to couple different energy-intense sectors, such as "traffic and transportation" and "chemical industry". Syngas produced by co-electrolysis can thus be regarded as a key-enabling step for a transition of the energy system, which offers additionally features of CO2 -valorization and closed carbon cycles. Here, we discuss advantages and current limitations of low- and high-temperature co-electrolysis. Advances in both fundamental understanding of the basic reaction schemes and stable high-performance materials are essential to further promote co-electrolysis.

Keywords: carbon dioxide valorization; co-electrolysis; powerto-X; solid-oxide electrolysis; syngas production.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't