Techno-Economic Analysis of Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction into Methanol: A Comparative Study between Alkaline Flow Cell and Neutral Membrane Electrode Assembly

Electrocatalytic CO2-reduction technology can convert CO2 into methanol and other chemicals using renewable electricity, but the techno-economic prospects of large-scale electrocatalytic reduction in are not clear. This paper conducted sensitivity analysis to confirm key parameters affecting cost production from an alkaline flow cell a neutral MEA electrolyzer, compared two electrolyzers under laboratory data optimized scenarios, analyzed parameter requirements systems achieve profitable production. The results show that electricity price, Faradaic efficiency, voltage, crossover/carbonate formation ratio most sensitive had higher energy efficiency than cell, saving eletrolyzer cannot cover regeneration electrolyte lost carbonate/bicarbonate, resulting costs cell. When is zero, reach 400 USD/tonne cases more 70% 50%, respectively. Therefore, enhancing ensuring low important for improving economy reduction. Finally, suggestions on development future were proposed.