Electrochemical urea synthesis

Joule, vol. 8, pp. 1579–1600

Abstract

Enabling the electrification of the chemical industry is crucial for the sector's transition toward zero emissions and a sustainable future. Approximately 2% of the globally used energy is dedicated to fertilizer production, including urea. The electrochemical synthesis of urea from a nitrogen source and CO 2 based on renewable energy can contribute to reaching the ambitious goal of sustainable production with close to zero emissions. However, the current state of technology remains at a low readiness level and a small scale. The majority of studies in the field employ electrode surface areas in the order of 1 cm 2 and achieve moderate current efficiencies of < 50%. They are mostly operated in batch mode in H-cells, which are prone to mass transport limitations, leading to a restriction of the achievable current density. In this perspective, we analyze the main challenges regarding highly efficient and scalable reactors for continuous production. We identify knowledge gaps and potential pitfalls. Finally, we propose guidelines to rapidly bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial application.

Authors 7

1. Yannik Kohlhaas Aachen Chemical Process Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chemical Process Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstr. 51, Aachen 52074, Germany

2. Yannick S. Tschauder Aachen Chemical Process Engineering Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chemical Process Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstr. 51, Aachen 52074, Germany

   Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1a, Aachen 52074, Germany

3. Wenzel Plischka Aachen Chemical Process Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chemical Process Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstr. 51, Aachen 52074, Germany

4. Ulrich Simon Aachen Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1a, Aachen 52074, Germany

5. Rüdiger‐A. Eichel Aachen Institute of Physical Chemistry

   Forschungszentrum Jülich · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Energy and Climate Research - Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Wilhelm-Johnen-Str., Jülich 52428, Germany

   Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany

6. Matthias Weßling Aachen Chemical Process Engineering DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chemical Process Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstr. 51, Aachen 52074, Germany

   DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, Aachen 52074, Germany

7. Robert Keller corresponding Aachen Chemical Process Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chemical Process Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstr. 51, Aachen 52074, Germany