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A Review of the Use of Electrolytic Cells for Energy and Environmental Applications

Author

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  • Ana P. R. A. Ferreira

    (Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials, Laboratory for Physics of Materials and Emerging Technologies, Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Raisa C. P. Oliveira

    (Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials, Laboratory for Physics of Materials and Emerging Technologies, Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
    Center for Natural Resources and the Environment, Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Maria Margarida Mateus

    (Center for Natural Resources and the Environment, Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
    Secil S.A., Fábrica Secil—Outão, 2901-182 Setúbal, Portugal)

  • Diogo M. F. Santos

    (Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials, Laboratory for Physics of Materials and Emerging Technologies, Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

There is a significant push to reduce carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions and develop low-cost fuels from renewable sources to replace fossil fuels in applications such as energy production. As a result, CO 2 conversion has gained widespread attention as it can reduce the accumulation of CO 2 in the atmosphere and produce fuels and valuable industrial chemicals, including carbon monoxide, alcohols, and hydrocarbons. At the same time, finding ways to store energy in batteries or energy carriers such as hydrogen (H 2 ) is essential. Water electrolysis is a powerful technology for producing high-purity H 2 , with negligible emission of greenhouse gases, and compatibility with renewable energy sources. Additionally, the electrolysis of organic compounds, such as lignin, is a promising method for localised H 2 production, as it requires lower cell voltages than conventional water electrolysis. Industrial wastewater can be employed in those organic electrolysis systems due to their high organic content, decreasing industrial pollution through wastewater disposal. Electrocoagulation, indirect electrochemical oxidation, anodic oxidation, and electro-Fenton are effective electrochemical methods for treating industrial wastewater. Furthermore, bioenergy technology possesses a remarkable potential for producing H 2 and other value-added chemicals (e.g., methane, formic acid, hydrogen peroxide), along with wastewater treatment. This paper comprehensively reviews these approaches by analysing the literature in the period 2012–2022, pointing out the high potential of using electrolytic cells for energy and environmental applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana P. R. A. Ferreira & Raisa C. P. Oliveira & Maria Margarida Mateus & Diogo M. F. Santos, 2023. "A Review of the Use of Electrolytic Cells for Energy and Environmental Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-33, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:4:p:1593-:d:1058546
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Negar Shaya & Simon Glöser-Chahoud, 2024. "A Review of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Studies for Hydrogen Production Technologies through Water Electrolysis: Recent Advances," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-21, August.
    2. Ana L. Santos & Maria João Cebola & Jorge Antunes & Diogo M. F. Santos, 2023. "Insights on the Performance of Nickel Foam and Stainless Steel Foam Electrodes for Alkaline Water Electrolysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Md Sumon Reza & Zhanar Baktybaevna Iskakova & Shammya Afroze & Kairat Kuterbekov & Asset Kabyshev & Kenzhebatyr Zh. Bekmyrza & Marzhan M. Kubenova & Muhammad Saifullah Abu Bakar & Abul K. Azad & Hrido, 2023. "Influence of Catalyst on the Yield and Quality of Bio-Oil for the Catalytic Pyrolysis of Biomass: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-39, July.

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