Processes
This section briefly presents processes included in the SolDAC solutions .
Adsorption
Adsorption is the adhesion of atoms, ions or molecules from a gas, liquid or dissolved solid to a surface. This process creates a film of the adsorbate (solute) on the surface of the adsorbent (solvent). This process differs from absorption, in which a fluid (the absorbate) is dissolved by or permeates a liquid or solid (the absorbent).
Analysis of synthesis routes
The second step of the implemented approach for the development od eco-design recommendations for SolDAC. This analysis consists of characterizing the previously screened materials according to their required mass for the different processes that are comprised within SolDAC’s technology, along with the energy consumption of those processes. This process, formally known as the building of a Life Cycle Inventory, is then followed by the environemntal impact assessment. This second stage of the eco-design approach is fundamental, as it determines not only the magnitude of the determined imapcts, but also it might mitigate the concern for materials criticality if the critical raw materials are used in small amounts relative to the total mass input of the process.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a way of reducing carbon emissions, which could be key to helping to tackle global warming. It’s a three-step process, involving: capturing the carbon dioxide produced by power generation or industrial activity, such as steel or cement making; transporting it; and then storing it deep underground. CCS involves the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes, such as steel and cement production, or from the burning of fossil fuels in power generation. This carbon is then transported from where it was produced, via ship or in a pipeline, and stored deep underground in geological formations.
Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
Carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) is the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil power generation and industrial processes for storage deep underground or re-use.
Catalysis
The process of making a chemical reaction happen more quickly by using a catalyst
Electrolysis
he word “lysis” means to dissolve or break apart, so the word “electrolysis” literally means to break substances apart by using electricity. Electrolysis is the chemical decomposition and/or dissociation of organic and inorganic substances by an electrical current. The electrolytic cell contains an anode and a cathode, where separate oxidation and reduction reactions (loss and gain of electrons, respectively) occur.
Functionality determination
The third and final step of the eco-design approach consists of appending the previously assessed material criticality and enviornmental impacts of the different components with their functionality within the technology. This stage of the methodology seeks to demonstrate the role of the components in the task of reaching breakthrough performances in the different KPIs for the technology. The evolution of SolDAC’s TRL must be in line wth finding a trade-off between performance and overall environmental impact.
Photo-Electrochemical Conversion (PEC)
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) CO2 conversion can be considered as an artificial photosynthesis technique that produces formate, formaldehyde, formic acid, methane, methanol, ethanol, etc.
Screening of material critiality
The first step of the implemented approach for the development of eco-design recommendations for SolDAC. The screening consists of reviewing the materials listed in SolDAC’s Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and checking for coincidences with the European Commission’s latest List of Critical Raw Materials. Those materials that are categorized as critical are not advised for implementation, those that are strategic are not of concern but avoiding them is advised when possible.
