4 Chemical Energy Storage and Conversion: A Perspective
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Robert Schlögl
Abstract
About a decade after the energy transformation (Energiewende) started in Germany, it is now clear that the vision about a national all-electric energy system based upon solar and bio-based energy is not realistic. Such a hypothetical system cannot replace the function of a fossil-based system augmented with local renewable energy resources (RES) stemming from solar, wind, biomass, and hydroelectricity. Over the last few years, the vision grew globally that a combination of local RES and a global trade system for RES via hydrogen and its derivatives will be the functional solution for defossilizing the energy supply systems. The core element for this vision is the interconversion between free electrons and electrons bound in chemical bonds. This is impossible without catalysis becoming the central family of technologies for creating renewable molecular energy carriers. They combine high storage capacities with compatibility to the fossil liquid and gaseous energy carriers for which we have global technologies already in place. The interconversion of free electrons into bound electrons allows the transport of RES and solves the large-scale storage issue introduced by the volatility of local RES alone. Energy storage and chemical energy conversion become two fundamental capabilities of future energy systems resting both on the command and mega-scale realization of catalytic processes.
Abstract
About a decade after the energy transformation (Energiewende) started in Germany, it is now clear that the vision about a national all-electric energy system based upon solar and bio-based energy is not realistic. Such a hypothetical system cannot replace the function of a fossil-based system augmented with local renewable energy resources (RES) stemming from solar, wind, biomass, and hydroelectricity. Over the last few years, the vision grew globally that a combination of local RES and a global trade system for RES via hydrogen and its derivatives will be the functional solution for defossilizing the energy supply systems. The core element for this vision is the interconversion between free electrons and electrons bound in chemical bonds. This is impossible without catalysis becoming the central family of technologies for creating renewable molecular energy carriers. They combine high storage capacities with compatibility to the fossil liquid and gaseous energy carriers for which we have global technologies already in place. The interconversion of free electrons into bound electrons allows the transport of RES and solves the large-scale storage issue introduced by the volatility of local RES alone. Energy storage and chemical energy conversion become two fundamental capabilities of future energy systems resting both on the command and mega-scale realization of catalytic processes.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- List of Contributing Authors IX
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1 General
- 1 Energy and Society: Toward a Socioecological Foundation for Research on Energy Transformations 1
- 2 Energy Ethics 19
- 3 Energy Storage Strategies 57
- 4 Chemical Energy Storage and Conversion: A Perspective 75
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2 Electrochemical
- 5 Electrochemical Concepts: A Practical Guide 125
- 6 Water-Splitting Conceptual Approach 141
- 7 Fuel Cells 157
- 8 Molecular Concepts of Water Splitting and Hydrogen Production: Nature’s Approach 183
- 9 Batteries: Concepts and Systems 243
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3 Thermochemical
- 10 Chemical Kinetics: A Practical Guide 271
- 11 Synthesis of Solid Catalysts 301
- 12 In Situ and Operando Analysis of Heterogeneous Catalysts in Chemical Energy Conversion 369
- 13 Model Systems in Catalysis for Energy Economy 393
- 14 CO2 Utilization: Methane, Methanol, and Synthetic Fuels 437
- 15 Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 Activation Toward Artificial Leaves: Outlooks and Needs of a System Approach 499
- 16 Challenges in Molecular Energy Research 537
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4 Biobased
- 17 Biofuels Derived from Renewable Feedstocks 567
- 18 Biomass Conversion to Chemicals 595
- 19 Thermal Conversion of Biomass 621
- 20 Biomass to Mineralized Carbon: Energy Generation and/or Carbon Sequestration 641
- 21 Innovative Use of Carbon 651
- Index 687
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- List of Contributing Authors IX
-
1 General
- 1 Energy and Society: Toward a Socioecological Foundation for Research on Energy Transformations 1
- 2 Energy Ethics 19
- 3 Energy Storage Strategies 57
- 4 Chemical Energy Storage and Conversion: A Perspective 75
-
2 Electrochemical
- 5 Electrochemical Concepts: A Practical Guide 125
- 6 Water-Splitting Conceptual Approach 141
- 7 Fuel Cells 157
- 8 Molecular Concepts of Water Splitting and Hydrogen Production: Nature’s Approach 183
- 9 Batteries: Concepts and Systems 243
-
3 Thermochemical
- 10 Chemical Kinetics: A Practical Guide 271
- 11 Synthesis of Solid Catalysts 301
- 12 In Situ and Operando Analysis of Heterogeneous Catalysts in Chemical Energy Conversion 369
- 13 Model Systems in Catalysis for Energy Economy 393
- 14 CO2 Utilization: Methane, Methanol, and Synthetic Fuels 437
- 15 Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 Activation Toward Artificial Leaves: Outlooks and Needs of a System Approach 499
- 16 Challenges in Molecular Energy Research 537
-
4 Biobased
- 17 Biofuels Derived from Renewable Feedstocks 567
- 18 Biomass Conversion to Chemicals 595
- 19 Thermal Conversion of Biomass 621
- 20 Biomass to Mineralized Carbon: Energy Generation and/or Carbon Sequestration 641
- 21 Innovative Use of Carbon 651
- Index 687
