Electrochemical CO reduction reaction (CORR) as a tandem electrolytic process to electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), is a promising technology to produce chemical products at an industrially-relevant scale that are currently energy intensive. This work presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) of the state-of-the-art process of CORR electrolysis utilizing a PSE (Porous Solid Electrolyte) reactor to produce high purity acetic acid products. The production of acetic acid, an important energy intensive commodity chemical, is utilized as a case study to showcase the CORR PSE reactor capabilities which are unique in that the PSE reactor forgoes the requirement for downstream separation costs associated with conventional liquid-based electrolytic cells as well as the performance shortcoming of particle-based solid electrolytes to instead be more stable and scalable with a consistent cell assembly due to the solid composite structure of the PSE. The PSE reactor further employes optimized catalysts, electrodes, and membranes to withstand performance at industrially-relevant conditions and yield a direct and high selectivity of acetic acid. This direct and high selectivity leads to lower energy intensity requirements which in return results in a significantly lower carbon footprint and reduced energy cost as compared to standard acetic acid fabrication.
Through LCA and TEA methodologies, this work will show how CORR electrolysis can promote carbon-neutral industrial processes when paired with carbon-free energy to convert CO2 into value-added feedstocks and fuels to embody a more circular and sustainable production industry as well as economy.
