Electrochemistry is becoming increasingly important in transitioning from primarily fossil fuel based energy sources to more renewable options. This challenge will require a combination of solutions, depending on geography, the mix of renewables, and other factors. The intermittent nature of wind, solar, and other forms of renewable energy, as well as demand fluctuations which do not match the generation capacity, drives the need for modular, distributed energy storage solutions, where electrochemistry can be ideal. However, for very long storage times, conversion of energy to a chemical fuel is often the most practical solution. Electrochemical generation of fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and CO₂-derived hydrocarbons are all related and have similar R&D challenges. In addition, all of these chemicals have different advantages and disadvantages, and have benefits in different scenarios. This talk will focus on some of the considerations in developing a new electrochemical device, and research challenges applicable to low temperature electrochemical fuel generation.

While fundamental research in understanding electrocatalytic reactions at the molecular level is valuable from a basic science perspective, understanding the application requirements for each market, and pricing structure vs. scale, can guide application of this research to the next logical stage. There is a large application space for fuels and industrial chemicals with widely varying price points based on scale and requirements. For example, different ground vehicle classes (consumer vehicles, heavy duty trucks, fork trucks, industrial equipment etc.,) may each be best served by different fuels depending on power and range requirements as well as customer preferences. Ships and airborne vehicles may have different optimal solutions. Smaller scale or emerging markets such as unmanned vehicles may also serve as easier market entry points.

At the materials discovery stage, all of the above reactions require catalyst design and fundamental understanding in order to achieve high activity and efficiency. Specifically for ammonia and carbon-based fuels, selectivity is a key issue, and structural approaches to control the active site and competition for binding sites are being pursued. Beyond the catalyst, the electrode structure and integration also need to be designed for optimal performance, including effective fluid flow and catalyst access. While the individual catalyst composition and structures will be different, all of these pathways involve hydrogen or oxygen evolution reactions and ion exchange membranes, and can both leverage and inform electrolysis research. Proton’s work in these areas will be discussed, as well as key needs for additional research and collaborations between applied and fundamental science.