March 3
@
4:00 PM
–
5:00 PM
Luca Mastropasqua
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Modular Electrochemical Reactors: Bridging Industrial Electrochemistry and Carbon Valorization
The sustainable transition of the chemical and manufacturing industries is often framed through the lens of decarbonization; however, the true industrial potential of electrochemical conversion processes lies in its ability to provide superior mechanistic control, increase process intensification, and enable flexible and modular operation. Unlike traditional thermochemical routes, thermo-electrochemical systems offer an additional and precise “knob”, the electrochemical potential, to drive selectivity, improve operational flexibility, and integrate seamlessly with existing industrial heat applications.
This presentation explores modular electrochemical reactors as a platform for high-efficiency waste valorization. We will first discuss Proton Conducting Electrolysis (PCE) at temperatures in the range of 150-600°C, highlighting how solid-state proton-conducting electrolytes offer unique thermodynamic and electrocatalytic advantages over traditional aqueous acidic and alkaline systems.
Second, we examine electrodes with mixed potentials in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) and the unique thermal management strategies available to endothermic chemistries (e.g., co-electrolysis of H2O and CO2) to reduce the process specific energy intensity via thermal coupling. Moreover, by changing electrode morphology and basicity, we demonstrate the ability to “tune” syngas ratios (H2:CO), providing a direct link between electrochemical potential, surface chemistry, and selectivity towards synthetic fuels and high-value chemicals.
Finally, we present a novel electrochemical iron reduction cell whereby solid hematite feedstock is converted via hydrogenative electroreduction at the interface as protons are transported through a proton conducting electrolyte supplied via steam electrooxidation, demonstrating the integration of gas-phase transport with solid-state reduction. Together, these three projects illustrate how electrochemical engineering can transform modularity from a design constraint into a competitive industrial advantage.