Solid-State-Electrolyte Reactor: New Opportunity for Electrifying Manufacture

Abstract

Electrocatalysis, which leverages renewable electricity, has emerged as a cornerstone technology in the transition toward sustainable energy and chemical production. However, traditional electrocatalytic systems often produce mixed, impure products, necessitating costly purification. Solid-state electrolyte (SSE) reactors represent a transformative advancement by enabling the direct production of high-purity chemicals, significantly reducing purification costs and energy consumption. The versatility of SSE reactors extends to applications such as CO₂ capture and tandem reactions, aligning with the green and decentralized production paradigm. This Perspective provides a comprehensive overview of SSE reactors, discussing their principles, design innovations, and applications in producing pure chemicals─such as liquid carbon fuels, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia─directly from CO₂ and other sources. We further explore the potential of SSE reactors in applications such as CO₂ capture and tandem reactions, highlighting their compatibility with versatile production systems. Finally, we outline future research directions for SSE reactors, underscoring their role in advancing sustainable chemical manufacturing.