Electrifying Carbon and Nitrogen Conversion: Sustainable Technologies

This lecture discusses the electrification of catalytic and separation processes for sustainable industrial systems, focusing on bipolar membrane electrolysis for carbon and nitrogen conversion. The instructor highlights the urgent need to decarbonize the industrial sector, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The lecture outlines the challenges associated with traditional methods of producing essential chemicals like ethylene and ammonia, which rely heavily on fossil fuels. The instructor presents innovative approaches to utilize carbon dioxide and nitrate from wastewater as feedstocks for chemical production, emphasizing the importance of developing efficient technologies that enhance circularity in chemical manufacturing. The discussion includes insights into the design of electrochemical systems, the role of materials in catalysis, and the potential for integrating these technologies into existing infrastructure. The lecture concludes with a call for further research and development in this field to achieve sustainable solutions for energy and resource recovery.