Development of an optimized modular electrochemical system to convert captured CO₂ into potassium formate as an anti-icing agent

PROJECT COST:

1 505 000 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

602 000 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

Greenhouse gas reduction targets are becoming increasingly ambitious. To meet these goals, existing approaches—such as renewable electricity, electrification, and afforestation—must be complemented by innovative technologies.

One key technology is CO₂ capture, which raises a critical and recurring question: how can the captured CO₂ be effectively utilized or managed?

Electro Carbon offers an innovative solution for the electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into potassium formate, which is used in various industrial applications, including as an anti-icing agent for airport runways. The development of this technology presents several challenges, particularly at the level of the electrochemical cells.

This project, a collaboration between CNETE and Electro Carbon, aims to optimize the design of these cells to maximize electrochemical performance, covering everything from electrode fabrication to cell configuration. The project will also support the scale-up of the technology and the validation of potassium formate according to current industrial standards.

Through this project, Electro Carbon will be able to advance the development of its CO₂ electrolyzers toward commercialization.

Developing Electro Carbon’s technology will help Quebec reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, grow its economy, and strengthen its leadership in green technologies. In the long term, the success of this project will help secure local supplies of strategic and sustainable chemicals through domestic production.