Articles tagged with "CO2-reduction"
Acid vapor lets CO2 capture tech run 4,500+ hours without failures
Researchers at Rice University have developed a simple yet effective modification to electrochemical carbon capture systems that dramatically extends their operational lifespan. By replacing the conventional water-based humidification of CO2 gas with mild acid vapors—such as hydrochloric, formic, or acetic acid—the team prevented the formation of potassium bicarbonate salt deposits that typically clog gas flow channels and flood electrodes. This acid vapor approach dissolves the problematic salts, allowing them to be carried away with the gas flow, thereby avoiding blockages that cause premature device failure. Testing showed that this acid-based humidification enabled stable operation for over 4,500 hours in a 100-square-centimeter electrolyzer—more than 50 times longer than the roughly 80 hours achievable with traditional water humidification. The method proved effective across various catalysts including silver, zinc oxide, copper oxide, and bismuth oxide, without causing significant membrane corrosion due to the low acid concentrations used. Because the modification requires only minor changes to existing humidification setups
energycarbon-captureCO2-reductionelectrochemical-systemscatalystsacid-vapormembrane-technologyFrance’s €520/Ton CO₂ Problem: Hydrogen Is Too Expensive For Transport - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the findings of a French audit on the economics of decarbonized hydrogen production via electrolysis, revealing that the cost of avoiding CO₂ emissions through this method is approximately €520 per ton. This figure far exceeds typical societal costs for CO₂ reduction technologies, highlighting that electrolytic hydrogen remains economically unviable without substantial public subsidies. France’s National Hydrogen Strategy (SNH2), launched in April 2025, aims to rapidly expand electrolytic hydrogen production with over €9 billion allocated for this purpose. However, the Cour des comptes report underscores that even optimistic assumptions about energy prices do not significantly improve the economic outlook, and the reported €9 billion in subsidies likely underestimates the true financial burden due to unaccounted infrastructure costs and indirect subsidies. The audit also reveals a complex web of overlapping subsidies that effectively lower the cost burden for hydrogen producers. These include mechanisms like the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which, by increasing carbon costs for fossil-fuel-based hydrogen
energyhydrogendecarbonizationelectrolyzersrenewable-energypublic-subsidiesCO2-reductionEU Ignores EV Sales Data, Waters Down Requirements
electric-vehiclesEU-regulationsCO2-reductionEV-marketautomotive-industryclean-energyemissions-targets