Thermoelectrically powered CO2 conversion in a reactive carbon electrolyzer†

Abstract

Here, we use thermoelectric generators to power reactive carbon electrolyzers that upgrade captured CO₂ into fuels and valuable chemicals. Reactive carbon electrolyzers convert the liquid eluent from a direct air capture unit—referred to as the “reactive carbon solution”. Thermoelectric generators convert temperature differences into electrical energy, enabling the use of waste heat to power the reactive carbon electrolyzers. This configuration enables operation without reliance on solar and wind power. We report the experimental demonstration of a thermoelectric generator powering a reactive carbon electrolyzer.