Electrical Reverse Shift: Sustainable CO2 Valorization for Industrial Scale

Utilization of CO2 is a requirement for a sustainable production of carbon-based chemicals. The reverse water-gas-shift (RWGS) can valorize CO2 by reaction with hydrogen to produce a synthesis gas compatible with existing industrial infrastructure. Fully electrified reverse water-gas-shift (eRWGS (TM)) was achieved using integrated ohmic heating and a nickel-type catalyst at industrially relevant conditions. Using a feed of H-2 : CO2 in a ratio of 2.25 at 10 barg, utilizing high temperature operation at 1050 degrees C allowed for production of a synthesis gas with a H-2/CO ratio of 2.0 and no detectable methane, ideal for production of sustainable fuel by e.g. the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Facilitating RWGS through CH4 as intermediate was found superior to the selective RWGS route, due to higher activity and suppression of carbon formation. The eRWGS (TM) catalyst is found to provide a preferential emissions-free route for production of synthesis gas for any relevant H-2/CO ratio, enabling production of sustainable carbon-based chemicals from CO2 and renewable electricity with high hydrogen and carbon efficiency.

Automated summary

Utilization of CO2 for sustainable production of carbon-based chemicals can be achieved through the reverse water-gas-shift reaction. The fully electrified reverse water-gas-shift (eRWGS) process, using ohmic heating and a nickel-based catalyst, allows for the production of synthesis gas with high hydrogen and carbon efficiency. This emissions-free route provides a sustainable solution for the production of carbon-based chemicals from CO2 and renewable electricity.