ELectrOlysis of BIOmass

Introduction

The ELOBIO consortium aims at advancing biomass electrolysis as a novel technological means of green H2 production. ELOBIO will demonstrate that electrocatalytic oxidation of biomass-derived molecules offers the possibility to simultaneously reduce the energy cost and improve the chemical value of H2 production compared to the current water splitting technology.

Objectives

ELOBIO targets the development of low-temperature functional electrolysers capable of large-scale production of H2 and value-added decarbonized chemicals, originating from the cellulosic biomass renewable exploitation.

Project Development

The project will design, build, test, and improve a lab-scale prototype electrolysis cell at TRL4 involving:

• A selective electrocatalytic cathode for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
• An electrocatalytic anode capable of selectively oxidizing biomass-derived compounds.

Model Biomass

Aldose-type sugars and furanic compounds were selected as model biomass for the validation of the concept. These molecules will be selectively converted to value-added chemicals which can be valorized in various sustainable chemical processes such as the production of biopolymers.

Emerging Technologies

Furthermore, several emerging technologies rely on electrolysis assisted with an additional renewable source of energy (ultrasound, magnetic field) or coupled with the concept of electrochemical promotion of catalysis. These will be explored to further enhance the energy efficiency of the green hydrogen electrolytic production.

Sustainability Considerations

The technological advancements achieved in ELOBIO will scrupulously follow the EU recommendations on critical material avoidance, circularity, and decarbonation objectives. A precise and detailed social life cycle will allow us to pinpoint and reduce the sources of negative social, environmental, and economic impacts of the proposed technology and thus improve its sustainability.