Research at ³ÉÈË´óƬAn electrochemical process for the manufacturing of valuable chemical products from renewable materials using protein-based nanofibers.
Background
Traditional industrially viable chemical reactions require copious amounts of energy for the making and breaking of chemical bonds. Fossil fuels remain a major source of this energy; as such, efforts need to be made to transition from traditional thermochemical reactions to alternate reaction systems to help mitigate climate change. Electrochemistry is becoming a viable option for chemical processes with a lower dependence on oil and gas, given the increasing percentage of electricity coming from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro and nuclear. By supplying a driving force for oxidizing/reducing via an electrode, electrochemical processes can effectively mitigate safety issues and increase process sustainability.
Electrochemical CO2 conversion is an established process for producing valuable chemicals from sequestered CO2 using electricity while cutting down on fossil fuel-derived building blocks as carbon sources. However, identifying sustainable materials which can function as electrodes within electrochemical cells must be addressed, as most rely on the use of metal electrodes. In addition to the high cost associated with precious metal foil electrodes, carbon dioxide emissions result from metal extraction, purification and processing, creating a need for sustainably-derived electrode materials. Within the last decade, research into protein nanofibers as a sustainable building block has gained considerable interest, due mainly to their stability, high aspect ratio, amino acid functionalities, and high strength. Queen's have specific expertise in the scalable production, chemical functionalization, and surface modification of protein nanofibers derived from different proteinaceous feedstocks. Attaching these materials to a conductive support leads to sustainable electrodes that have shown limited application in electrochemical systems such as biosensing, supercapacitors, and transistors. Thus, Queen's aim to design and develop protein-based materials as a replacement for metal electrodes in electrochemical CO2 conversion systems.
Technology Overview
This collaboration aims to develop an electrochemical process for the manufacturing of valuable chemical products from renewable materials, using protein-based nanofibers as electrodes. The proposed technology represents an advancement in materials science, in that these materials have not previously been used as electrodes for chemical synthesis. Additionally, the reaction under study represents a novel, green, safe and efficient approach for the production of the desired chemicals, relative to previous methods. Ultimately, Queen's aim to increase sustainability in the chemical industry by developing materials for green production of valuable chemical goods.
Stage of Development
This research is currently at the pre-experimental/proposal stage, TRL 3 (currently undergoing bench-scale prototyping and feasibility investigations).
Benefits
- Less expensive than most other electrode materials (e.g. precious metal foils)
- Proteins derived from natural sources
- Biodegradable
- Electrochemical reaction that uses the materials is greener and safer than alternatives
- No need for toxic reagents that generate excess waste
- High temperatures and pressures avoided
- The assembly of protein fibers is scalable, and requires no harsh chemicals or energy input
Applications
Products from electrochemical reaction could be used in the following industries:
- Adhesives, coatings, paints and varnishes
- Energy storage systems – batteries and fuel cells
- Agrochemicals and food industry
- Pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical intermediates
Opportunity
³ÉÈË´óƬ is looking to partner with industry for a few reasons. First, Queen's believe the proposed technology has the potential to significantly enhance the sustainability of chemical production, and therefore is worth the investment. Second, Queen's would like to tailor the electrochemical process to produce either new chemicals that could be tested for application by an industry partner, or known chemicals that are needed by an industry partner. Third, Queen's would require access to infrastructure and resources related to scale-up and implementation. Finally, Queen's believe that industrial collaboration would be mutually beneficial, and would provide an avenue for training our diverse team of HQP.
IP Status
No patent
Seeking
- Development partner
- Commercial partner
Posted
November 6, 2023