Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Engineering Science

Program

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Supervisor

Zheng, Ying.

2nd Supervisor

Zeng, Yimin.

Affiliation

NRCan

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

This thesis reports the molten salt CO2 electrolysis to simultaneously capture and convert CO2. First, the literature review is done to overview the key parameters of the system and observe the research gaps. Later, proper operating factors (temperature and voltage) and the proper salt combination were determined to serve as the baseline and blank standards. Based on the previous findings, additives were screened from CaO, MnO2, ZnO, and Zn. It was found that 10 mol% Zn and ZnO have positive effects on carbon deposition rate (26% and 54% increase, respectively). Later, different concentrations of selected additives (MnO2, ZnO, and Zn) were tested to observe the concentration effects on electrolysis performance and carbon nanostructures. To fill the research gap, gas impurities (O2 and CO) were also tested to and found that their negative effects were more obvious at lower temperatures, with lower concentrations of these gases having a more negative impact.

Summary for Lay Audience

The purpose of this research is to explore the potential of molten salt CO2 electrolysis as a method for CO2 capture and conversion. This method offers the possibility of converting CO2 into carbon for permanent storage, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. The research journey began with a comprehensive literature review, comparing this method with other CO2 capture techniques and summarizing findings on key operating parameters. Based on this information, optimal operating conditions were determined through laboratory testing. The positive effects of a series of additives, including ZnO and Zn at specific concentrations, were then discovered. To address research gaps, separate tests were conducted with varying concentrations of oxygen and carbon monoxide to observe performance changes.

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