ELOBIO

Low-temperature electrolysers for large-scale hydrogen production and value-added chemicals from biomass.

Electrochemical water splitting, or electrolysis, is a promising carbon-free way to produce hydrogen (H2). An alternative, electrocatalytic oxidation of biomass-derived molecules, could simultaneously reduce the energy cost and improve the chemical value of H2 production. The European Innovation Council-funded ELOBIO project intends to show this is possible with low-temperature functional electrolysers capable of large-scale production of both H2 and value-added decarbonised chemicals from cellulosic biomass. The prototype electrolysis cell will have a selective electrocatalytic cathode for the hydrogen evolution reaction and an electrocatalytic anode capable of selectively oxidising biomass-derived compounds. A social life cycle assessment will identify and enable the reduction of negative social, environmental and economic impacts.