Development of GDE-MEA for CO2-electrolysis with low anolyte contribution (EFFORT) (EFFORT)

The EFFORT project focuses on developing an advanced CO₂ electrolysis system that converts captured CO₂ into valuable chemicals such as syngas, contributing to a circular carbon economy. This process presents a sustainable alternative to underground carbon storage and uses gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) to enable efficient co-electrolysis of CO₂ and water. Although promising, current systems still face key challenges in efficiency, selectivity, and long-term stability. A major issue is the chemical instability caused by alkaline electrolytes, which leads to CO₂ loss through the formation of carbonate ions. Managing the chemical equilibrium between CO₂ gas, bicarbonate, and carbonate is crucial for reducing energy consumption and enhancing performance. To tackle this, the project aims to advance membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and anion exchange membranes (AEMs) capable of operating at high pH and current density with long-term stability and selectivity. EFFORT proposes a CO₂ electrolysis system based on a silver gas diffusion electrode and a thin AEM that is selective for hydroxide ions, while also controlling the transport of carbonate species. This should result in a system that operates efficiently with lower cell voltages, stable selectivity, and an extended lifespan. Three specific objectives are targeted: achieving syngas production at cell voltages below 2.5V, developing AEMs stable at pH 12–14 with high selectivity for carbonates, and creating GDEs that maintain chemical equilibrium to avoid carbonate precipitation during operation. The project plays a role in the transition from fossil to green carbon sources, with syngas being a key feedstock in sectors such as steel, chemicals, and hydrogen. As CO₂ capture technologies continue to scale up, enriched CO₂ streams from industrial emissions can be redirected into electrochemical processes. Furthermore, although the project is not focused on hydrogen production, the CO₂ electrolysis system shares important technological similarities with water electrolyzers. This opens opportunities for integration into the Flemish hydrogen value chain and could create new avenues for regional companies active in electrochemical technologies.

Keywords:CO₂ electrolysis, Gas diffusion electrode (GDE), Anion exchange membrane (AEM)

Disciplines:Materials synthesis, Surface engineering, Functionalisation of materials

Project type:Collaboration project